Hydroquinone
Description
Hydroquinone is a topical medicine (applied externally) used to treat melasma (brown or grey patches on your skin). Melasma occurs due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, etc. This medicine works by reducing the levels of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin darkening) in your skin. Thus, it lightens the dark-coloured patches and spots on your skin.
Hydroquinone is available on prescription as a cream, lotion and solution.
Hydroquinone has some minor side effects like skin redness, dry skin, itching, and skin peeling. Before you start using it, perform a patch test by applying it to a small area on your skin to know how your skin will react to Hydroquinone. Discontinue the use if you experience excessive itching or swelling.
Hydroquinone is recommended for external use only. Clean your hands and the affected area properly before applying this medication. It should be applied before using other skin preparations (e.g., everyday moisturiser or sunscreen). To see the effects of this medicine, use it regularly as advised by your doctor. If you do not notice any change in your skin condition even after 2 months, consult your doctor for further guidance.
Hydroquinone should be used only after your doctor’s recommendation if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Hydroquinone
- Redness of skin
- Itchy and dry skin
- Skin peeling
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Swelling at the appilication site
Uses of Hydroquinone
What is it prescribed for?
- Skin hyperpigmentation
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Hydroquinone to show its effect is subject to vary from one individual to another. You may have to use Hydroquinone regularly for at least four weeks to see the desired results.
- Duration of effectHydroquinone remains active in your body for 24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported for Hydroquinone.
- Usage in pregnancy?Hydroquinone is not recommended to be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medication.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Hydroquinone is not advisable if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
Allergy
Do not use Hydroquinone if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as a skin rash, itching/swelling anywhere on your body, burning sensation, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Hydroquinone is not recommended to be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medication.
Breast-feeding
Hydroquinone is not advisable if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
General warnings
External use
Hydroquinone is for external use only. Do not apply near your eye, mouth, or other mucous membranes. If it comes in contact with these areas, immediately rinse with water.
Use in children
Hydroquinone is not advised for use in children under the age of 12 as the safety and efficacy data is not available.
Skin sensitivity test
It is recommended to take a skin sensitivity test to rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction before starting the regular use of Hydroquinone. You can perform a patch test by applying this medicine to a small area of your skin. Discontinue the use, if you experience excessive itching or swelling.
Weather changes
Hydroquinone can make your skin more sensitive to weather changes. Wear protective clothing and use a moisturising lotion to avoid excessive dryness.
Other skin products
After applying Hydroquinone, do not use any other skin products like harsh soaps, bleach, permanent chemicals, hair removers, or skin products with alcohol.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply the dose of Hydroquinone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 6 hours after missing a dose, skip the dose. Do not use excessive amounts of the medication to compensate for the missed dose.
Overdose
If you use Hydroquinone in excess, you will not experience any severe symptoms unless you apply it in large quantities for a long time. However, it is not recommended to use more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply a thin layer of Hydroquinone to the affected area. Follow the directions on the label or in the package insert. You should not use more or less than the recommended dose.
Make sure you perform a patch test before using Hydroquinone.
Apply a small amount of this medicine to check for any allergic reaction.
If you do not experience any allergic reaction within 24 hours, continue using the medication.
If you experience skin irritation, itching, swelling or any other allergic reactions, stop using the medication and consult your doctor.
Make sure you apply Hydroquinone only on the pigmented skin as it may lighten normal skin as well.
Do not apply to damaged or infected skin.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Hydroquinone works by lowering the levels of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin darkening). It blocks the action of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical depigmenting agents
Schedule
OTC
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Hydroquinone. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 July 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ACTIVE 4- hydroquinone cream. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 July 2021].
Orrongpharmacy.com. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 29 July 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.