Eldopaque

Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color.

Hydroquinone topical (for the skin) is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, melasma (sun damage), or chloasma (darkened skin caused by hormonal changes).

Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

An overdose of hydroquinone topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Hydroquinone topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Some hydroquinone products may contain sunscreen. Check the medicine label or ask your doctor to be sure.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes.

Hydroquinone topical may make your skin more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing lotion as needed.

Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydroquinone topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;

• severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;

• blisters or oozing; or

• blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).

Common side effects may include:

• mild burning or stinging of treated skin; or

• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Applies to hydroquinone topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical emulsion, topical gel, topical solution

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included localized contact dermatitis. Exogenous ochronosis (involving over 10,000 exposures under careful clinical supervision) has been reported at an incidence of 22 cases in more than 50 years.[Ref]

Some side effects of Eldopaque may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.