Hydroquinone Topical

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.

Hydroquinone topical is usually applied each morning and at bedtime. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Hydroquinone topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medicine on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Hydroquinone may cause numbness of these areas.

Before you start using hydroquinone topical, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to a small area of healthy skin, and check the area within 24 hours. If there is no reaction other than minor redness, begin using the full prescribed amount of the medicine.

Do not use hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply this medicine only to the affected skin areas that need to be lightened. Try not to get any medicine on the skin around these areas.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 months of treatment with hydroquinone topical.

Use hydroquinone topical regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatological Disorders:

Chloasma, Melasma, Freckles, Senile lentigines, Areas of melanin hyperpigmentation:
Apply to affected area twice daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatological Disorders:

Chloasma, Melasma, Freckles, Senile lentigines, Areas of melanin hyperpigmentation:
>=13 years: Apply to affected area twice daily.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied hydroquinone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

See also How to Use.

Mild burning, stinging, redness, and dryness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.