Hydroquinone (hydroquinone)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Hydroquinone, which is structurally related to monobenzone, is a depigmenting agent.
USES: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, "liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration.
Generic name: hydroquinone
Pronunciation: (hi-dro-KWIN-own)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Hydroquinone
Indications
The following indications are listed for Hydroquinone:
- Chloasma
- Dyschromia
Also known as: Anomalous Pigmentation Of The Skin, Discoloration Of Skin, Discolored Skin, Mask Of Pregnancy, Melanoderma Chloasma, Moth Patch, Pigmentation Alteration, Skin Pigmentation Disorder.
Dosing
To depigment hyperpigmented skin, a thin layer of hydroquinone cream or solution should be applied uniformly and rubbed into the pigmented area twice daily, in the morning and evening. Application of the drug should be limited to an area equal to that of the face and neck or hands and arms. Exposure to sunlight should be minimized during treatment (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications); the opaque base in some hydroquinone preparations (Eldopaque(R), Eldopaque Forte(R)) may provide sufficient protection from sunlight. If no depigmentation is evident after 2 months of hydroquinone treatment, the drug should be discontinued. When the desired degree of depigmentation is obtained, hydroquinone should be applied only as often as needed to maintain depigmentation.
Preparations containing 2-4% hydroquinone are applied topically. Hydroquinone should not be administered orally.
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Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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Reproductive studies in animals have not been performed with topical hydroquinone. It is not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically by pregnant women. Topical hydroquinone should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Since it is not known if topical hydroquinone is absorbed or distributed into human milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women.
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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