Hydroquinone
Indications
Hydroquinone is used for:
Chloasma, Melasma, Freckles, Senile lentigines, Hyperpigmentation
Adult Dose
Topical/Cutaneous
Hyperpigmentated skin conditions
Adult: Apply and rub in a thin layer preparation to affected area bid.
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy in paediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
Renal Dose
Administration
Hydroquinone should be applied to the affected area and rubbed in well. Most discolorations begin to lighten after 4 weeks of treatment but it may take longer. After desired bleaching, use only as needed to maintain results of treatment.
Hydroquinone bleaching is faster, more dependable and easier if the treated area is protected from ultraviolet light. Therefore, exposure to sunlight should be minimized at the period of treatment.
During day, an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen should be used, unnecessary solar exposure should be avoided and protective clothing should be used to prevent repigmentation of treated areas.
After reduction of hyperpigmentation, use of sunscreen agents and/or protective clothing should continue.
Contra Indications
Hydroquinone is contraindicated to patients with prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or other ingredients in the preparation.
Precautions
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.
Lactation: unknown if distributed in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unknown if distributed in breast milk; use caution
Interactions
Side Effects
Side effects of Hydroquinone :
Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging, and allergic dermatitis)
Dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbital, Ochronosis
Colloid milium (after chronic use of up to 8 years)
Mode of Action
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmentating agent used in hyperpigmentation conditions by suppressing melanocyte metabolic processes. It also increases melanin excretion from melanocytes and prevents its production.