Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Cream, External:
Alphaquin HP: 4% (28.4 g [DSC], 56.7 g [DSC])
AMBI Fade: 2% (56 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, disodium edta, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium metabisulfite, soy protein, soya sterol]
Blanche: 4% (30 g) [contains cetearyl alcohol, disodium edta, sodium metabisulfite]
EpiQuin Micro: 4% (30 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, sodium metabisulfite, trolamine (triethanolamine), vitamin a, vitamin e]
Esoterica Daytime: 2% (70 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium bisulfite]
Esoterica Daytime: 2% (70 g) [contains disodium edta, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium metabisulfite]
Esoterica Facial: 2% (85 g)
Esoterica Fade Nighttime: 2% (70 g [DSC]) [contains disodium edta, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium metabisulfite]
Esoterica Sensitive Skin: 1.5% (85 g)
Hydroquinone Time Release: 4% (30 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, sodium metabisulfite, trolamine (triethanolamine)]
Melpaque HP: 4% (14.2 g, 28.35 g [DSC])
Remergent HQ: 4% (30 mL) [contains sodium metabisulfite]
Skin Bleaching: 4% (28.35 g [DSC])
Skin Bleaching-Sunscreen: 4% (28.35 g [DSC]) [contains cetostearyl alcohol, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sorbic acid, water, purified]
TL Hydroquinone: 4% (30 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, methylparaben, sodium metabisulfite, trolamine (triethanolamine)]
Generic: 4% (28.35 g)
Emulsion, External:
Aclaro: 4% (48.2 g [DSC]) [contains benzyl alcohol, sodium metabisulfite]
Gel, External:
Exuviance Lightening Complex: 2% (30 g [DSC]) [contains denatured alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening: 2% (30 g [DSC]) [fragrance free, oil free; contains propylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite]
Solution, External:
Melquin 3: 3% (29.57 mL [DSC])
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Produces reversible depigmentation of the skin by suppression of melanocyte metabolic processes, in particular the inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine); sun exposure reverses this effect and will cause repigmentation.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Onset of Action
Onset of depigmentation produced by hydroquinone varies among individuals
Duration of Action
Onset and duration of depigmentation produced by hydroquinone varies among individuals
Use: Labeled Indications
Skin bleaching: Gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions, such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to hydroquinone or any component of the formulation
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Skin bleaching: Topical: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas and rub in well twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime Discontinue use if no improvement is seen after 2 to 3 months of treatment.
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Skin bleaching: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Refer to adult dosing.
Administration
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Apply a thin layer using fingertips to the affected areas and rub in well. Avoid sun exposure during treatment and maintenance therapy by using a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or protective clothing.
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Adverse Reactions
Frequency not defined.
Dermatologic: Allergic skin reaction, dermatitis, erythema, inflammation, stinging of the skin, xeroderma
Local: Local irritation
Warnings/Precautions
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: Limit application to area no larger than face and neck or hands and arms.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Risk Factor
C
Pregnancy Considerations
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical administration; the amount of systemic absorption is unknown.
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience redness or dry skin. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation, skin discoloration, itching, or skin sores (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.
