Generic
Hydroquinone
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Hydroquinone is used for the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmented skin conditions. It lightens skin and reduces dark patches and spots.
Description
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmenting agent used for the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation. It reduces melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps lighten skin color. This product contains no sunblocking agents and is intended for night-time use only.
Indications
- Melasma
- Chloasma
- Freckles
- Senile lentigines
- Other melanin hyperpigmentation
Therapeutic class
Hydroquinone Preparations
Pharmacological class
Topical Depigmenting Agent
Pharmacology
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmenting agent that produces a reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibiting enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and suppressing melanocyte metabolic processes. It suppresses the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme required to make melanin.
Mechanism of action
Hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase enzyme and suppresses melanocyte metabolic processes to reduce melanin production, resulting in lightening of skin.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Topical):
- Apply and rub in a thin layer preparation to affected area twice daily for hyperpigmented skin conditions
- For night-time use only (contains no sunblocking agents)
Child Dose: Safety and efficacy in children below 12 years have not been established
Administration
For external use only; use in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor; check the label for directions before use; clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream; wash hands after applying (unless hands are the affected area); avoid contact with eyes.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible; if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Dry skin
- Skin burn
- Skin peeling
- Itching
Occasional: Hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) - rare; discontinue medication and notify physician immediately
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Test for skin sensitivity before using Hydroquinone (24 hours)
- Minor redness is not a contraindication, but itching, vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response means further treatment is not advised
- Contains no sunblocking agents; use only at night or on areas covered by protective clothing
- During daytime, use sunscreens (UV-A and UV-B protective) and wear protective clothing
- If no bleaching or lightening effect after 2 months, discontinue medication
- Do not apply on broken or infected areas of skin
- Contains sodium metabisulfite which may cause serious allergic reactions in susceptible persons
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or other ingredients
- Children under 12 years
Drug interactions
No interaction found/established.
Food interactions
No food interaction found/established.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies have shown harmful effects; topical hydroquinone should be used in pregnant women only when clearly indicated.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests drug does not represent any significant risk to baby; caution is advised.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in children below 12 years have not been established.
Geriatric use
No specific data for elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No interaction found/established.
Overdose effects
No systemic reactions from topical use reported; however treatment should be limited to relatively small areas; some patients may experience transient skin reddening and mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Hydroquinone