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Indications and Dosage
Topical/Cutaneous
Hyperpigmentated skin conditions Adult: For reducing hyperpigmentation of skin such as in persistent freckles, lentigines, or melasma: As 2% cream or 4% cream/gel: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) bid, in the morning and before bedtime. Discontinue treatment if there is no improvement after 2 months.
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Incompatibility
Incompatible with alkalis, ferric salts and oxidising agents.
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Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Abraded or sunburned skin.
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Special Precautions
Not indicated for the prevention of sunburn or bleaching of eyelashes or eyebrows. Not intended to be used after shaving or depilatory usage. Pregnancy and lactation.
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Adverse Reactions
Significant: Ochronosis and pigmented colloid milium (particularly for high concentrations or prolonged use).
Eye disorders: Dryness and fissuring of infraorbital area. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Dryness and fissuring of paranasal area. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Transient erythema, mild burning or stinging sensation, local irritation or inflammation, xeroderma, localised contact dermatitis. |
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Topical: C
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Patient Counseling Information
Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin. Avoid or minimise exposure to sunlight; apply sunscreen and/or use protective clothing to prevent repigmentation.
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Monitoring Parameters
Perform a test for skin sensitivity prior to use. Monitor for skin irritation when applied to large areas or prolonged use.
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Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Hydroquinone, a topical depigmenting agent, is structurally related to monobenzone. It suppresses the metabolic processes of melanocytes by inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), thereby producing reversible depigmentation of the skin. |
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Chemical Structure
 Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 785, Hydroquinone. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydroquinone. Accessed Oct. 24, 2023. |
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Storage
Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light and moisture.
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MIMS Class
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ATC Classification
D11AX11 - hydroquinone ; Belongs to the class of other dermatologicals.
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References
Anon. Hydroquinone. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 22/06/2023. Anon. Hydroquinone. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 22/06/2023. Buckingham R (ed). Hydroquinone. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 22/06/2023. Delanin (Charoon Bhesaj Co., Ltd.). MIMS Thailand. http://www.mims.com/thailand. Accessed 22/06/2023. Hydro-Q Gel (Dermavance Pharmaceuticals). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 22/06/2023. Hydroquinone 4% Cream (AvPAK). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 22/06/2023. Melaquin Cream 4% w/w (Y.S.P. Industries [M] Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 22/06/2023. Symba Skin Toner Cream (Northumbria Pharma Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 22/06/2023.
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