Superlite: Full Drug Profile

Superlite - General Information

Superlite is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone used medically for depigmentation. Superlite occurs as a white, almost tasteless crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in water.
The topical application of monobenzone in animals increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Superlite may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation.

Pharmacology of Superlite

Superlite is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone. Superlite, applied topically to the skin, is used as a depigmenting agent inhibitting melanin produced by polymerization of oxidation products of tyrosine and dihydroxyphenyl compounds. Superlite works by permanently removing color from normal skin located around skin with vitiligo.

Superlite for patients

Benoquin Cream 20% contains a potent depigmenting agent and is not a cosmetic skin bleach. Use of Benoquin Cream 20% is contraindicated in any conditions other than disseminated vitiligo. Use only for final depigmentation in extensive vitiligo. Areas of normal skin distant to the site of Benoquin Cream 20% application may become depigmented, and irregular, excessive, unsightly, and frequently permanent depigmentation may occur.

Superlite Interactions

Superlite Contraindications

Benoquin Cream 20% contains a potent depigmenting agent and is not a cosmetic skin bleach. Use of Benoquin Cream 20% is contraindicated in any conditions other than disseminated vitiligo. Benoquin Cream 20% frequently produces irreversible depigmentation, and it must not be used as a substitute for hydroquinone. Benoquin Cream 20% is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity or allergic reactions to this product, or any of its ingredients.

Additional information about Superlite

Superlite Indication: Used topically to treat the loss of skin color (vitiligo). Mechanism Of Action: Superlite is a depigmenting agent whose mechanism of action is not fully understood. The topical application of monobenzone in animals, increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Superlite may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation. This effect is erratic and may take one to four months to occur while existing melanin is lost with normal sloughing of the stratum corneum. Hyperpigmented skin appears to fade more rapidly than does normal skin, and exposure to sunlight reduces the depigmenting effect of the drug. The histology of the skin after depigmentation with topical monobenzone is the same as that seen in vitiligo; the epidermis is normal except for the absence of identifiable melanocytes. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Monobenzone Synonyms: Hydrochinon monobenzylether [Czech]; Hydroquinone benzyl ether; Hydroquinone monobenzyl ether; Benzyl p-hydroxyphenyl ether; Benzyl hydroquinone; Benzoquin; Monobenzona [INN-Spanish]; Monobenzone [INN]; Monobenzonum [INN-Latin]; Monobenzyl ether hydroquinone; Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone; Monobenzyl hydroquinone; p-Hydroxyphenyl benzyl ether Drug Category: Dermatologicals Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Monobenzone: AgeRite Alba; Agerite; Alba; Alba-Dome; Benoquin; Carmifal; Depigman; Dermochinona; Leucodinine; Monobenzon; Pigmex; Superlite; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Superlite: Cream Topical Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-(phenylmethoxy)phenol Chemical Formula: C13H12O2 Monobenzone on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monobenzone Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals