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Hydroquinone | | |
Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in many topical skin bleaching creams
and ointments. It is especially useful for hyperpigmented areas of the
skin such as liver spots, age spots, birth marks, and freckles. It has
also been used to lighten acne scars. By reducing the formation of
melanin, the substance that gives skin its brown color, conditions such as
chloasma or melasma (the darkening of skin around the eyes, cheeks, nose)
can reduce the effects of this "mask of pregnancy" as the
condition is sometimes called.
Although serious side effects are
unlikely to occur, hydroquinone should be used with great care. It is
essential that users read all the instructions, precautions, and potential
side effects very carefully. It is also advised that people wishing to try
hydroquinone products consult their health care practitioner in
advance.
All hydroquinone products at ZooScape.com are intended
for topical use only and should never be used internally.
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| Common Name | | | Hydroquinone
| | | Other Names | | | Alphaquin HP, Alustra, Eldopaque, Eldopaque Forte, Eldoquin, Eldoquin
Forte, Esoterica, Esoterica Sensitive Skin, Glyquin, Glyquin-XM, Lustra,
Melanex, Melanol, Melpaque HP, Melquin HP, Melquin-3, Nuquin HP, Solaquin,
Solaquin Forte, Viquin Forte, Alpha-Hydroquinone, Hydroquinol, Quinol,
Benzoquinol, P-benzenediol, 1,4-Benzenediol, P-Dihydroxybenzene,
P-Hydroxyphenol, P-Dioxobenzene, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, Dihydroquinone,
Pyrogentistic Acid, Quinnone, Aida, Aarctuvin, Eldoquin, Eldopaque,
Phiaquin, Tecquinol, Tenox HQ, Tequinol.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Scientific Name / Nomenclature | | | C6H6O2
| | | Description | | | Hydroquinone (hye-droe-QUIH-none) is applied to the skin to lighten areas that have darkened (hyperpigmented). This is a common side effect of many drugs including birth control drugs and discontinuation of such drugs will stop but not reverse the hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone will work best if you avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and wear sunscreens and protective clothing.
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| | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | All hydroquinone products at ZooScape.com are intended for topical use
only and should never be used internally.
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 purposes other than those listed
here.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Hyperpigmentation (Age Spots, Liver Spots & Freckles), Melasma / Chloasma ("Mask of Pregnancy"), Stretch Marks, Scars, Acne
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Actions | | | Skin Lightening or Bleaching
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin's pigment cells (melanocytes). The inhibition of melanogenesis is achieved by interrupting one or more steps in the tyrosine-tyrosinase pathway the enzyme needed to make melanin.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Research | | | "Hydroquinone Combination Cream Combats PIH"
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps).
Darkening of the skin may occur with exposure to sunlight or artificial UV
light. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when
exposure to the sun or UV rays is unavoidable.
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.
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, talk to your doctor if
you have liver or kidney disease, use other topical medications on the
affected area, have allergies to medications, or have other medical
problems. You may not be able to use hydroquinone topical, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment.
- It is not known whether hydroquinone topical will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use hydroquinone topical without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
- It is not known whether hydroquinone will be harmful to
a nursing baby. Do not use hydroquinone topical without first talking to
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What should I
avoid while using hydroquinone topical?- Avoid exposure to
sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Darkening of the skin may
occur with exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light. Use a sunscreen
(minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun or
UV rays is unavoidable.
- 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.
- The skin may be
more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect the skin
with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as
needed.
- Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the
same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Use caution and talk to
your doctor before using hydroquinone topical if you are also using other
topical products with a strong drying effect on the skin, products with
high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime, or other
preparations or processes that may dry or irritate the skin.
- Do
not use hydroquinone topical with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or
other peroxide products. A temporary dark staining of the skin may occur.
If hydroquinone topical is accidentally used with a product that contains
peroxide, wash the skin with soap and water to remove the
staining.
- Keep out of reach of children.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | What other drugs will affect hydroquinone topical?- Do not
use hydroquinone topical with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or
other peroxide products. A temporary dark staining of the skin may occur.
If hydroquinone topical is accidentally used with a product that contains
peroxide, wash the skin with soap and water to remove the
staining.
- Avoid using other topical products on the same area
at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Use caution and
talk to your doctor before using hydroquinone topical if you are also
using other topical products with a strong drying effect on the skin,
products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime,
or other preparations or processes that may dry or irritate the
skin.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
hydroquinone topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Possible Side Effects | | | What are the possible side effects of hydroquinone
topical?- Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop
using hydroquinone topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact
your doctor if you experience:
- an allergic reaction
(shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face,
or tongue; or hives); or
- a rash.
More
commonly, some burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation, of the
treated area may be experienced. If these side effects are excessive, talk
to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent application of
hydroquinone topical.
- Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Dosage | | | Use as directed on the label or as advised by your health care
professional.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the
missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and apply only the next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not use a double dose of the medication.
What happens
if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be
harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if hydroquinone topical has
been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control left for advice.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
| | | Usage | | | How should I use hydroquinone topical?- Use hydroquinone
topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
- Hydroquinone topical is for external use only.
- Wash
your hands before and after applying this medication, unless the treated
area involves the hands.
- Apply the medication to clean, dry skin.
Apply just enough medication to cover the affected area. Avoid application
of the medication to unaffected, surrounding skin. Rub in the medication
gently and completely.
- Do not apply hydroquinone topical to the
eyes, lips, or inside of the nose or mouth. Accidental application of
hydroquinone topical to the lips may cause numbness of the lips and/ or a
medicinal taste in the mouth. If the medication is accidentally applied to
any of these areas, rinse with water. Seek medical advice if the
medication gets in the eyes.
- It is important to use hydroquinone
topical regularly to get the most benefit.
- Store hydroquinone
topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat between
15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze.
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| | | References | | | Our thanks to the following information resources: Drug Information
Online (Drugs.com), University of Oxford Physical and Theoretical
Chemistry Laboratory (ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk), GlobalRx.com, and
DrugDigest.org.
Browse Sections | View Hydroquinone products
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| | 3 total products | | | | |  |
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Hydroquinone - Personal - Hydroquinone USP Bleaching Salve / Ointment (2%)
2 oz / 57 g
Preserve Your Pristine, Healthy Skin!
21.31 US
More Info
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Hydroquinone - Personal - Hydroquinone USP Bleaching Cream (2%)
2 oz / 57 g
Preserve Your Pristine, Healthy Skin!
18.20 US
More Info
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Hydroquinone - Personal - Hydroquinone USP Bleaching Gel (2%)
2 oz / 57 g
Preserve Your Pristine, Healthy Skin!
20.84 US
More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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