Hydroquinone is a drug to treat dark patches on the skin due to the accumulation of melanin (hyperpigmentation). Some hyperpigmentation conditions that can be treated with this drug are melasma, dark spots, and chloasma.
Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the formation of melanin. That way, the previously darkened skin due to the accumulation of melanin can be brighter and look in line with the surrounding skin area. This drug is available in the form of a cream and can only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
h trademarkydroquinone: Albavance F, Bioquin, Dermacept RX HQ Solution, Dequinon, Dequinon Forte, Equinon, Equinon Forte, Farmaquin, Lumiquin, Mediquin, Melanox, Melanox Forte, Melaqiderm, Melaquin, Nygrox, Obagi Nu-Derm Clear, Quintri, Refaquin, Trequinon, Tricodion , Ufiquin 4%, Ufiquin 5%, Vitaquin
What's that Hydroquinone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | skin lightening medicine |
| Benefit | Brightens skin that is darker in color due to hyperpigmentation |
| Used by | Adults and children >12 years old |
| Hydroquinone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Hydroquinone is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using this medicine. |
| Shape | Cream (cream) |
Precautions Before Using Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone should not be used carelessly. There are several things you need to pay attention to before using hydroquinone, namely:
- Do not use hydroquinone if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have, including sulfate allergies.
- Do not use hydroquinone on skin that is prickly, injured, sunburned, or easily irritated.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, or skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially when taking antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Use sunscreen and limit activities that expose you to direct sunlight while using hydroquinone, as this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using hydroquinone.
Dose and Rules for Use Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone cream 2–4% is used by adults by applying it evenly to hyperpigmented skin, every 12 hours. This drug is recommended to be used in the morning and evening.
How to use Hydroquinone correctly
Use hydroquinone as directed by your doctor or the description on the package. To make sure you are not allergic to cream hyroquinone, apply a small amount of cream on the arm and wait up to 24 hours. If you are allergic to hydroquinone, the area will feel itchy, swollen, or blistered. Do not use this medicine if you have an allergic reaction.
Avoid using the drug on the skin around the eyes, as well as on the inside of the nose or mouth. Do not use the medicine on sore, dry, or irritated skin. If hydroquinone comes into contact with these areas, wash immediately with running water until clean.
Before and after using hydroquinone, don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water. Clean and dry the skin area that you want to apply hydroquinone to.
Take an adequate amount of hydroquinone cream and gently apply it on the hyperpigmented skin area. Do not cover the skin area that has been smeared with hydroquinone with a bandage or make-up, unless permitted by a doctor.
Use hydroquinone at the same time every day for optimal results. If you forget to use the drug, do it immediately if the interval with the next scheduled use is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
The part of the skin that is smeared with hydroquinone will become more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, as much as possible avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen SPF 30 or more when outdoors.
Consult a doctor again if within 2 months there is no improvement in the skin area being treated.
Store hydroquinone in a dry room temperature place. Keep the medicine out of direct sunlight, and keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Hydroquinone Interactions with Other Drugs and Ingredients
The following are some interactions that may occur if hydroquinone is used together with other drugs and ingredients:
- Can stain skin when used with benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide
- Causes skin irritation when used with soaps, shampoos, hair dyes, hair removers, waxes, and skin cleansers that contain added alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime
Side Effects and Dangers Hydroquinone
The use of hydroquinone can cause different side effects for each user. Side effects that can occur are:
- Reddish skin
- Dry skin
- Skin feels like it's burning
- Skin feels like stinging
Usually, the side effects that arise are only temporary. However, do check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse.
In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if serious side effects occur that rarely occur, such as blistering and cracking of the skin, or the color of the skin turning dark blue (ochronosis). These side effects usually occur due to long-term use of hydroquinone or more than 5 months.