Hydroquinone

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Molecule Description

Hydroquinone is a medicine that is applied to the skin (topical) to correct discoloration of the skin.

Uses

Brown patches on the skin, especially the face (melasma)
Spots on the skin not associated with any disease (freckles)
Dark patches and spots on the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Brown or black areas on the skin usually due to sunlight (lentigo)

Contraindications

When should one not use Hydroquinone

Allergy to Hydroquinone or any of the components used in the medicine
Sunburned or raw skin

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Irritation of the skin
Itching, rashes, redness and other allergic reactions
Burning or stinging at the applied areas

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Adequate data is not available and hence Hydroquinone is recommended to be used in pregnancy if no other alternatives are available. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

It is unknown if Hydroquinone is secreted in human milk. Caution is advised while breastfeeding. Ensure that baby’s skin does not come in direct contact with the applied area.

Driving

Hydroquinone is not known to affect your driving ability.

Alcohol

Alcohol delays the healing and may increase specific side effects of Hydroquinone such as burning, itching, rashes, allergy and hence you are advised not to consume alcohol too frequently.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure (use sunscreen and protective clothing)
Do not apply on cut or open skin, or near eyes, nose, lips and mouth
Inform your doctor if you have or developed any liver or kidney problems

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The color of the skin, eyes and hair is due to a substance called Melanin. Excess production of Melanin can result in dark skin. Hydroquinone works by reducing the formation of Melanin and thereby lightening the skin colour.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Hydroquinone has no known interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor about all your medical history before taking this medicine

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions of this medicine when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage

Overdose

Apply Hydroquinone exactly as prescribed your doctor. Do not over apply or apply more frequently than you are advised. Accidental overdose may not be harmful but regular overdose can cause severe damage to the skin. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any skin irritation, itching or rashes.

Missed a Dose

If you forgot to apply at the prescribed time, you might apply Hydroquinone as soon as you remember or wait until the next usage. Make sure not to apply the medicine at close intervals. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This medicine is only for topical purposes. Apply this medication to the affected areas of skin and massage gently, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor.

Though Hydroquinone is available as an over-the-counter medicine, do not self-medicate. It is an effective medicine but has the potential to cause irreversible skin damage on prolonged or improper usage. Discontinue the medication and speak to your doctor if you develop any skin irritation. It is recommended to use this medicine under prescription.

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