Look Up > Drugs > Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Canadian Brand Names
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(HYE droe kwin one)

U.S. Brand Names
Ambi® Skin Tone [OTC]; Eldopaque®[OTC]; Eldopaque Forte®; Eldoquin®[OTC]; Eldoquin® Forte®; Esoterica® Facial [OTC]; Esoterica® Regular [OTC]; Esoterica® Sensitive Skin Formula [OTC]; Esoterica® Sunscreen [OTC]; Melanex®; Porcelana®[OTC]; Porcelana® Sunscreen [OTC]; Solaquin®[OTC]; Solaquin Forte®

Generic Available

No


Canadian Brand Names
Neostrata™ HQ; Ultraquin™

Synonyms
Hydroquinol; Quinol

Pharmacological Index

Depigmenting Agent


Use

Gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Sunburn, depilatory usage, known hypersensitivity to hydroquinone


Warnings/Precautions

Limit application to area no larger than face and neck or hands and arms


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%:

Local: Irritation


Drug Interactions

No data reported


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.


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset and duration of depigmentation produced by hydroquinone varies among individuals


Usual Dosage

Children >12 years and Adults: Topical: Apply thin layer and rub in twice daily


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Use exactly as directed; do not overuse. Therapeutic effect may take several weeks. Test response by applying to small area of unbroken skin and check in 24 hours; if irritation or blistering occurs do not use. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not apply to open wounds or weeping areas. Before using, wash and dry area gently. Apply a thin film to affected area and rub in gently. Avoid direct sunlight or use sunblock or protective clothing to prevent repigmentation. Report swelling, redness, rash, itching, signs of infection, worsening of condition, or lack of healing. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.


Nursing Implications

Use sunscreens or clothing; do not use on irritated or denuded skin; stop using if rash or irritation develops; for external use only, avoid eye contact


Dosage Forms

Cream, topical:

Esoterica® Sensitive Skin Formula: 1.5% (85 g)

Eldopaque®, Eldoquin®, Esoterica® Facial, Esoterica® Regular, Porcelana®: 2% (14.2 g, 28.4 g, 60 g, 85 g, 120 g)

Eldopaque Forte®, Eldoquin® Forte®, Melquin HP®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g)

Cream, topical, with sunscreen:

Esoterica® Sunscreen, Porcelana®, Solaquin®: 2% (28.4 g, 120 g)

Melpaque HP®, Nuquin HP®, Solaquin Forte®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g)

Gel, topical, with sunscreen (Solaquin Forte®): 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g)

Solution, topical (Melanex®): 3% (30 mL)


Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved