THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Hydroquinone Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(HYE droe kwin one)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes

Index Terms

  • Hydroquinol
  • Quinol

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Aclaro PD®
  • Aclaro®
  • Alphaquin HP®
  • Eldopaque Forte®
  • Eldopaque® [OTC]
  • Eldoquin Forte®
  • Eldoquin® [OTC]
  • EpiQuin® Micro
  • Esoterica® Daytime [OTC]
  • Esoterica® Nighttime [OTC]
  • Lustra-AF®
  • Lustra-Ultra™
  • Lustra®
  • Melanex® [DSC]
  • Melpaque HP®
  • Melquin HP®
  • Melquin-3®
  • NeoStrata® HQ Skin Lightening [OTC]
  • Nuquin HP®
  • Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Cream [OTC]
  • Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Milk [OTC]
  • Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Ultra Fade Serum [OTC]

Brand Names: Canada

  • Eldopaque®
  • Eldoquin®
  • Glyquin® XM
  • Lustra®
  • NeoStrata® HQ
  • Solaquin Forte®
  • Solaquin®
  • Ultraquin™

Pharmacologic Category

  • Depigmenting Agent

Use: Labeled Indications

Gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to hydroquinone or any component of the formulation; sunburn, depilatory usage

Warnings/Precautions

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Limit application to area no larger than face and neck or hands and arms.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Dermatologic: Dermatitis, dryness, erythema, stinging, inflammatory reaction, sensitization

Local: Irritation

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

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

Dosage

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

Administration: Topical

For external use only; avoid contact with eyes

Patient Education

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 rash, itching, or worsening of condition.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

When applied to large areas or for extensive periods of time, monitor for skin irritation.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, topical: 4% (28.35 g, 28.4 g, 30 g); 5% (0.25 g [DSC])

Alphaquin HP®: 4% (28.4 g, 56.7 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Eldopaque Forte®: 4% (28.35 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Eldopaque®: 2% (28.35 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Eldoquin Forte®: 4% (28.4 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Eldoquin®: 2% (28.35 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

EpiQuin® Micro: 4% (40 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, sodium metabisulfite]

Esoterica® Daytime: 2% (85 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Esoterica® Daytime: 2% (70 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Esoterica® Nighttime: 2% (85 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Lustra-AF®: 4% (56.8 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, ethanol, sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Lustra-Ultra™: 4% (23.4 g [DSC], 56.8 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Lustra®: 4% (56.8 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, sodium metabisulfite]

Melpaque HP®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite, sunblock]

Melquin HP®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Nuquin HP®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g, 56.7 g) [contains ethanol, sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Cream: 2% (75 g, 81 g [DSC], 132 g [DSC]) [contains sodium sulfite, sunscreen; dry skin formula]

Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Cream: 2% (75 g, 81 g [DSC], 132 g [DSC]) [contains sodium sulfite, sunscreen; oily skin formula]

Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Cream: 2% (75 g, 125 g) [contains sodium sulfite, sunscreen; regular skin formula]

Emulsion, topical:

Aclaro PD®: 4% (42.5 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, sunscreen]

Aclaro®: 4% (48.2 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Gel, topical: 4% (28.35 g)

NeoStrata® HQ Skin Lightening: 2% (30 g) [contains ethanol, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite]

Nuquin HP®: 4% (14.2 g, 28.4 g) [contains ethanol, sodium metabisulfite, sunscreen]

Lotion, topical:

Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Fade Milk: 2% (250 mL) [contains corn oil, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, sunscreen]

Solution, topical:

Melanex®: 3% (30 mL [DSC]) [contains ethanol, sodium metabisulfite]

Melquin-3®: 3% (29.57 mL) [contains ethanol 45%, isopropyl alcohol 4%]

Palmer's® Skin Success® Eventone® Ultra Fade Serum: 2% (30 mL) [contains corn oil, shea nut derivatives, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, sunscreen]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Cream (Alphaquin HP)

4-5-7.5% (28.4): $42.99

Cream (Eldopaque Forte)

4% (28.35): $61.99

Cream (Eldoquin Forte)

4% (28.35): $60.99

4% (30): $99.99

Cream (Hydroquinone-Sunscreens)

4% (28.4): $47.99

Cream (Lustra)

4% (56.8): $137.06

Cream (Lustra-AF)

4% (56.8): $146.99

Cream (Lustra-Ultra)

4% (56.8): $142.79

Cream (Melpaque HP)

4% (28.4): $33.99

Cream (Melquin HP)

4% (30): $39.99

Cream (Nuquin HP)

4% (30): $34.99

Emulsion (Aclaro PD)

4% (42.5): $137.64

Gel (Hydroquinone-Sunscreens)

4% (28.35): $39.99

Solution (Melquin 3)

3% (30): $17.99

International Brand Names

  • Aldoquin (CO)
  • Claripel (AR)
  • Clasifel (PY, UY)
  • Crema Blanca Bustillos (MX)
  • Cremoquinona (CO)
  • Delanin (TH)
  • Domina (HK)
  • Eldopaque (AE, BH, CY, EG, GR, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, PH, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Eldopaque Forte (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, PH, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Eldoquin (AE, BH, CR, CY, EG, GT, HK, HN, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, MX, NI, OM, PA, PH, PK, PT, QA, SA, SV, SY, YE)
  • Eldoquin Cream (NZ)
  • Eldoquin Forte (AE, BH, CY, EG, HK, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, PH, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Eslite (IN)
  • Esomed (IL)
  • Etnoderm (CN)
  • Filtroquinona (DO, EC, GT, HN, PA, SV)
  • Gentleclean (TW)
  • Ginomi (KP)
  • Laviquin (KP)
  • Melanox (ID)
  • Melashine (MY)
  • Melquin HP (KP)
  • Melquine (TW)
  • Pharquinon (VE)
  • Pigmentasa (ES)
  • Polyquin Forte (SG)
  • Skinox (ID)
  • Solaquin (AE, BH, BR, CY, EG, HK, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, MY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Solaquin Forte (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, MY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Zumae (TW)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision January 2012

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