Hydroquinone Drug Information
Generic name: HYDROQUINONE
Uses of Hydroquinone
Pigment Control Creme is indicated in the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmentation, skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
Dosage & Administration of Hydroquinone
A thin layer of Pigment Control Creme (Hydroquinone USP, 4%) should be applied to the affected area twice daily or as directed by a physician. If no improvement is seen after 8-12 weeks of treatment, use of this product should be discontinued. There is no recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
Side Effects of Hydroquinone
Adverse Reactions The following reactions have been reported: dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbital areas, erythema, and stinging. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may develop. If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued, and the physician notified immediately.
Warnings & Cautions for Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent which may produce undesired effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this product. Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people.
The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, use an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen agent or protective clothing should be worn to cover bleached skin to prevent re-pigmentation from occurring.
Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. If this condition occurs, discontinue treatment and consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a physician or a poison control center immediately.
Drug Interactions with Hydroquinone
Drug Interactions Patients are cautioned on concomitant use of medications that are known to be photosensitizing.
Pregnancy Safety for Hydroquinone
Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Pediatric Use of Hydroquinone
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness for pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
Contraindications for Hydroquinone
Prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients. The safety of topical Hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.
Overdosage Information for Hydroquinone
Overdosage There have been no system reactions reported from the use of topical hydroquinone. However, treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time, since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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