What is Hydroquinone Topical ?
Topical hydroquinone (for the skin) is used to lighten darkened areas such as freckles or age spots. It can also be used for melasma (sun damage) and chloasma (darkened areas of skin due to hormonal changes).This medication guide does not list all uses for hydroquinone topical.
Side effects of Hydroquinone topical
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Hydroquinone can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe skin redness or burning;
- Severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
- Blisters or oozing
- Blue or black discoloration on the skin, especially if you're Hispanic or African American.
Side effects of hydroquinone topical include:
- Mild burning or stinging on the treated skin
- Mild itching or irritation.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider of your medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to peroxide or hydroquinone, then do not use topical hydroquinone.
If you have had any of the following:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Asthma, or allergy to sulfite
- If you use any antibiotic medication,
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.This medicine should not be given to anyone younger than 12 without consulting a doctor.
How to take Hydroquinone topical?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor.Hydroquinone is applied every morning and before bedtime. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin.Use a "test dosage" before you begin using hydroquinone to determine if this medication causes an allergic reaction. Check the skin area after 24 hours by applying a very small dose of the medication to a small, healthy area. If the only reaction is a minor amount of redness, you can use the full dose.You should wash your hands both before and after using this medication, unless it is to treat your skin.Only apply this medication to the areas of skin that need to be lightened. Avoid getting any medication on the skin surrounding these areas.Use hydroquinone topically only on wounds that are not open or on skin that is sunburned, windburned, chapped, or dry.If your symptoms don't improve within 2 months or worsen, call your doctor.Store in an environment free from moisture or heat at room temperature. When not in use, keep the container tightly sealed.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for dermatological disorders:
Apply two times daily in the morning and before bedtime, or as directed. If no improvement has been seen after two months of treatment, discontinue use.
Comments:
Rub in well.
Use: To gradually bleach hyperpigmented skin disorders, such as freckles, senile lentigines, and any other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
The usual pediatric dose for dermatological disorders:
Twelve years old and older
Apply two times daily in the morning and before bed, or as directed. If no improvement has been seen after two months, discontinue treatment.
Comments:
Rub in well.
Use: To gradually bleach hyperpigmented skin conditions like chloasma and melasma, as well as freckles, lentigines senile, and other areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of topical hydroquinone are not considered dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.
What should be avoided?
Do not get hydroquinone topical on your eyes.Do not get this medication on your lips, inside your nose, or in your mouth. Hydroquinone can cause numbness in these areas.Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. You can get sunburned by using hydroquinone topical. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. Some hydroquinone may contain sunscreen. Verify the label on your medicine or consult your doctor.Topical hydroquinone may cause your skin to be more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as wind and cold. Use clothing to protect your skin and moisturizers as necessary.Hydroquinone topical combined with benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide may cause skin staining. This staining is usually removed by washing with soap and warm water.Avoid skin products that can cause irritation. These include harsh soaps, skin cleansers or shampoos, permanent hair dyes or chemicals, hair waxes or removers, and skin products containing alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine applied to your skin. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
