What is hydroquinone topical?
Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color.
Hydroquinone topical is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melasma.
Hydroquinone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about hydroquinone topical?
Before using hydroquinone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Do not use hydroquinone topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated, or on an open wound. It could make these conditions worse. Wait until these conditions have healed before applying hydroquinone topical.
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Hydroquinone topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydroquinone topical?
Do not use hydroquinone topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated, or on an open wound. It could make these conditions worse. Wait until these conditions have healed before applying hydroquinone topical.
Before using hydroquinone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
liver disease; or
kidney disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydroquinone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.