hydroquinone (Lustra, Melquin, Melquin HP 4%, Melquin-3 Topical Solution, Lustra-AF, Lustra-Ultra, Alphaquin, Claripel, Clarite, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, Epiquin Micro, Esoterica, Melanex, Melpaque, Nuquin HP Cream, Nuquin HP Gel, Solaquin)
Classes: Depigmenting Agents
Dosing and uses of Lustra, Neostrata (hydroquinone)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 1.5%
- 2%
- 4%
topical solution
- 3%
topical geL
- 4%
Reduce Melanin Hyperpigmentation
Apply to affected areas and rub in thoroughly BId
Discontinue if no results after 2 mth
See also combo with fluocinolone and tretinoin
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Lustra, Neostrata (hydroquinone) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging, and allergic dermatitis)
Dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbitaL
Ochronosis
Colloid milium (after chronic use of up to 8 years)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Contain sulfites that may cause allergic-type reactions
Avoid unecessary exposure to sunlight
Do not apply near eyes, to cut, abraded, or sunburned skin, after shaving or using a depilatory agent; or over miliaria rubra (prickly heat)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: unknown if distributed in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Lustra, Neostrata (hydroquinone)
Mechanism of action
Elicits reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibiting enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA); also suppresses other melanocyte metabolic processes
