Hydroquinone
- Atc Codes:D11AX11
- CAS Codes:123-31-9
- PHARMGKB ID:123-31-9
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Drug Combinations
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Caution and personalized dose adjustment in patients with the following genotypes
- Other genes that may be involved
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
Brand Names
Europe
Germany: Hydrochinon; Malta: Licoforte; Spain: Despigmental, Hidroquilaude, Licoforte, Licostrata, Melanasa, Nadona, Pigmentasa.
North America
Canada: Active 4, Clairissime Clear Complexion, Clarite 4, Creme Blanchissante, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, Esoterica Regular, Esoterica Unscented, Lustra, Palmer’s, Seequin, Solaquin, Vantex; USA: Aclaro PD, Alphaquin HP, Dermarest, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, EpiQuin, Esoterica, Glyquin, Lustra, Melanex, Melpaque HP, Melquin HP, NeoStrata, Nuquin HP, Palmer’s, Solaquin.
Latin America
Argentina: Claripel, Solaquin; Brazil: Claripel, Solaquin; Mexico: Crema Blanca Bustillos, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, Hidroquin, Melanex, Quinoret Forte.
Drug combinations
Hydroquinone and Glycolic Acid
Hydroquinone, Dexamethasone, and Tretinoin
Hydroquinone, Fluocinolone, and Tretinoin
Hydroquinone, Hydrocortisone, and Tretinoin
Chemistry
Hydroquinone: C~6~H~6~O~2~. Mw: 110.11. 1,4-Benzenediol. CAS-123-31-9.
Pharmacologic Category
Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents; Depigmenting Agents. (ATC-Code: D11AX11).
Mechanism of action
Produces reversible depigmentation of skin by suppression of melanocyte metabolic processes, in particular inhibition of enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine).
Therapeutic use
Used to reduce hyperpigmentation in conditions such as freckling (ephelides), inactive chloasma, melasma, generalized and senile lentigo, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation. Used for gradual treatment of ultraviolet-induced dyschromia and skin discoloration resulting from use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or skin trauma. Also considered useful in some patients with hyperpigmentation in which a large excess of melanin is not being produced. Has been used to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization associated with inflammation or with use of certain perfumes. Used in combination with fluocinolone and tretinoin for short-term and intermittent long-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Caution if used during pregnancy or lactation.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to hydroquinone or any component of the formulation. Sunburn, depilatory usage.
Warnings and precautions
May produce undesired cosmetic effects (e.g. excessive skin bleaching) if not used as directed. Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light may cause repigmentation of bleached areas. Some formulations contain sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions (including anaphylaxis and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes) in certain susceptible individuals. Contact dermatitis reported. Rarely, ochronosis (gradual blue-black darkening of skin) and colloid milium reported with chronic use (up to 8 years) of 5% hydroquinone cream. For external use only. Possible local skin irritation (e.g. burning, mild erythema, stinging). Dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbital areas reported.