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, cholasma, and melasma.

Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

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.

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.

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.

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 center for advice.

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.

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.

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.

Your pharmacist has additional information about hydroquinone topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Hydroquinone topical is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.