hydroquinone topical

What is the most important information I should know about hydroquinone topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is hydroquinone topical?

Hydroquinone topical (for the skin) is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, melasma (sun damage), or chloasma (darkened skin caused by hormonal changes).

Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydroquinone topical?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma or sulfite allergy; or
• if you are using any antibiotic medicine.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use hydroquinone topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Hydroquinone topical is usually applied each morning and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Before you start using hydroquinone topical, use a "test dose" to see if you have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to a small area of healthy skin, and check the area within 24 hours. If there is no reaction other than minor redness, begin using the full prescribed amount of the medicine.

Apply this medicine only to the affected skin areas that need to be lightened. Try not to get any medicine on the skin around these areas.

Do not use hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using hydroquinone topical?

Avoid getting this medicine on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Hydroquinone may cause numbness in these areas.

Hydroquinone topical may make your skin more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing lotion as needed.

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.

What are the possible side effects of hydroquinone topical?

• severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;
• severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
• blisters or oozing; or
• blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).

Common side effects may include:

• mild burning or stinging of treated skin; or
• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydroquinone topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydroquinone topical.