Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmentating agent that produces a reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibiting enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and suppressing melanocyte metabolic processes.
| Trade Name | Hydroquinone |
| Generic | Hydroquinone |
| Hydroquinone Other Names | 1,4-benzenediol, Hydroquinone, Quinol |
| Weight | 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 0.01% + 4% + 0.05%, |
| Type | Topical Cream, Topical Emulsion, Topical Gel, Topical Application |
| Formula | C6H6O2 |
| Weight | Average: 110.1106 Monoisotopic: 110.036779436 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Hydroquinone Preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Hydroquinone is used -
- For the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
- To reduce hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization associated with inflammation or with the use of certain cosmetics.
Hydroquinone is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acne Vulgaris, Melasma, Skin hyperpigmentation, Moderate Melasma, Severe Melasma
How Hydroquinone works
Hydroquinone reduces melanin pigment production through inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the initial step of the melanin pigment biosynthesis pathway. Hydroquinone takes several months to take effect.
Dosage
Hydroquinone dosage
Apply a thin film of Hydroquinone Cream to the effected area once daily, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply Hydroquinone Cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal appearing skin surrounding eachlesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin.
Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. During the day, use asunscreenof SPF 30, and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day. Hydroquinone Cream is for topical use only. It is not for oral,ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Side Effects
No systemic adverse reactions have been reported. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur in which case the medication should be discontinued.
Precaution
Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent which may produce unwanted cosmetic effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication.
Test for skin sensitivity before using by applying a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin to check in 24 hours. Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching or vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response, further treatment is not advised. If no bleaching or lightening effect is noted after 2 months of treatment, the medication should be discontinued.
Contact with the eyes and lips should be avoided. Hydroquinone should not be applied to cut or abraded skin.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Lactation: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.
Contraindication
Hydroquinone is contraindicated to patients with prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or other ingredients in the preparation.
Acute Overdose
There have been no systemic reactions from the use of topical hydroquinone. Some patients may experience a transient reddening of skin and mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
Storage Condition
Store between 20-25° C. Protect from light.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone contains Hydroquinone see full prescribing information from innovator Hydroquinone Monograph, Hydroquinone MSDS, Hydroquinone FDA label
FAQ
What is Hydroquinone used for?
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. Hydroquinone also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, is an aromatic organic compound that is a type of phenol, a derivative of benzene, having the chemical formula C₆H₄(OH)₂. It has two hydroxyl groups bonded to a benzene ring in a para position.
How safe is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn't any clinical evidence currently to suggest that Hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
How does Hydroquinone work?
Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present.
What are the common side effects of Hydroquinone?
Common side effects of Hydroquinone include:
- Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging)
- Dermatitis.
- Dryness.
- Redness.
- Inflammatory reaction.
Is Hydroquinone safe during pregnancy?
Whitening and brightening solutions with Hydroquinone are safe to use during pregnancy and won't harm the foetus.
Is Hydroquinone safe during breastfeeding?
Hydroquinone is not contraindicated during breastfeeding and if Hydroquinone is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, some experts feel that long-term use of Hydroquinone is difficult to justify in a nursing mother.
Can Hydroquinone make me blind?
Inhaling Hydroquinone can irritate the nose and throat.
Is Hydroquinone hazardous?
Hydroquinone is also a skin irritant in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to Hydroquinone dust can result in eye irritation, corneal effects, and impaired vision.
Can I leave Hydroquinone on overnight?
Apply Hydroquinone cream once daily to clean, dry skin, preferably at bedtime, and leave on overnight.
Can I use Hydroquinone everyday?
Hydroquinone a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.
How fast does Hydroquinone work?
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect.
How long should I use Hydroquinone?
You can use the product for up to four months, and then begin to taper off use.
Can Hydroquinone be used in the morning?
Apply Hydroquinone in the evening after Retin-A and in the morning for 2 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
How often can I use Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How long does Hydroquinone take to work?
Hydroquinone takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect.
Can I take Hydroquinone for long time?
You shouldn't use products with this ingredient for more than five months at a time.
When should I stop taking Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone stop application after five months. If your skin lightens, stop using Hydroquinone regularly and only use it if the dark spots reappear. Wait two or three months to use it in the same areas.
Who should not take Hydroquinone?
Do not use Hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 months, or if your condition gets worse.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose of Hydroquinone?
An overdose of Hydroquinone topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What happen If I stop taking Hydroquinone?
Prolonged regular use of Hydroquinone may lead to exogenous ochronosis, which can cause blue-black pigmentation and papules, red bumps on the skin.
Is Hydroquinone hard on my heart?
Hydroquinone can cause dangerous effects on your heart, especially if you also use certain other medicines. Seek emergency medical attention if you have fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness
Can Hydroquinone affect my kidneys?
Hydroquinone produce significant histological alterations that might affect the liver and kidney.
Can Hydroquinone affects my liver?
Hydroquinone can remove the top layer of skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer and cause fatal liver and kidney damage.
