What is Hydroquinone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions when using prescription hydroquinone. Do not take more than prescribed or use it for longer than prescribed.

Follow the instructions on the label if you are using nonprescription hydroquinone.

Use only on the skin. 

• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, lips, and nose. 

• Rinse thoroughly and contact a healthcare provider if contact does occur.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Apply a thin layer of the medicine with your finger to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

Wear sunscreen and avoid sunlamps. Hydroquinone will not work well if the affected area is exposed to UV light.

Read the package label for storage instructions. Most hydroquinone products can be stored at room temperature. Protect from sunlight.

• Some hydroquinone products should be refrigerated when not in use.

For prescription hydroquinone, ask the prescriber for medical advice on how to manage missed doses.

For OTC hydroquinone, apply a dose as soon as you can.

If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose.

Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to hydroquinone or sulfites.

Before starting hydroquinone, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Protect the treated skin from sunlight or ultraviolet light.

• Sunlight or ultraviolet light will make the medicine less effective and could cause rebound hyperpigmentation.

• Use a high SPF sunscreen or cover the treated skin with protective clothing.

• Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.

Do not use this medicine for longer than two or three months.

• After three months of treatment, hydroquinone treatment should be discontinued for at least two months.

• If symptoms do not improve or get worse, do not use hydroquinone for longer than two months. Contact a doctor.

• Long-term use of hydroquinone could cause the skin to turn reddish brown, gray-blue, blue-black, or other color.

• For long-term maintenance treatment, the doctor may prescribe a maintenance dose where the medicine is only applied three times a week or only on the weekends.

Some hydroquinone products contain other ingredients that may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Do not use hydroquinone on a child younger than 12 years of age except under a doctor’s supervision.

Hydroquinone has no known drug interactions.

Just in case, talk to a doctor if you are using:

• Acne medications

• Drugs that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight