This article describes possible side effects of hydroquinone topical cream. You can explore this overview article to learn more about hydroquinone, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Hydroquinone topical cream is a generic medication. It is not available in a brand-name version.
Note: Hydroquinone currently is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That said, the FDA allows doctors to legally prescribe drugs that are not approved. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the safety of using hydroquinone topical cream.
More common side effects of hydroquinone
Hydroquinone topical cream may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of hydroquinone topical cream include:
- erythema (reddening of skin)
- skin stinging or irritation*
- dry skin
- dry eyes
- dry nose or sinuses
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of hydroquinone in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of hydroquinone
Hydroquinone may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of hydroquinone topical cream that occurred in studies include:
Hydroquinone topical cream may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of hydroquinone in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of hydroquinone
Hydroquinone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from hydroquinone, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with hydroquinone.
Serious side effects of hydroquinone topical cream that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of hydroquinone in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of hydroquinone
Here are answers to common questions about side effects of hydroquinone topical cream. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do side effects of hydroquinone compare with those of mometasone?
Both hydroquinone and mometasone are components of topical drugs designed to treat hyperpigmentation. However, hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent, while mometasone is a corticosteroid. The drugs work in different ways and can cause different side effects.
Shared side effects that either hydroquinone or mometasone may cause include:
Topical corticosteroids like mometasone often are not used long term due to the risk of side effects that can be serious. These include:
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about how topical mometasone and hydroquinone compare.
Does hydroquinone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases hydroquinone topical cream may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time and may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with hydroquinone topical cream include ochronosis. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of hydroquinone in detail” section below.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible long-term side effects of hydroquinone and how to manage them.
Do I need to apply sunscreen outdoors if I’m using hydroquinone topical cream?
Yes. Exposure of skin to sunlight during and after treatment with hydroquinone topical cream should be limited. Even mild amounts of sunlight on unprotected treated skin may cause repigmentation and darkening of the treated area. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or wearing protective clothing is recommended.
Side effects hydroquinone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of hydroquinone topical cream.
Ochronosis
In studies, ochronosis (blue-black skin discoloration) was rare in people using hydroquinone topical cream. This side effect may be serious in that it may not go away. But it isn’t expected to cause serious symptoms or medical complications.
With ochronosis, you experience a blue-black darkening of your skin at sites where hydroquinone cream is applied. This appearance is gradual and becomes more pronounced if treatment with hydroquinone is continued.
People with a darker skin pigmentation are at higher risk for ochronosis caused by hydroquinone topical cream.
Ways to manage
If you experience blue-black skin discoloration, stop using hydroquinone topical cream and tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with hydroquinone. They can also review possible treatments for this side effect. But keep in mind that the skin affected by ochronosis does not always return to its original appearance, even with treatment.
Skin stinging or irritation
In studies, skin stinging or irritation was reported in people using hydroquinone topical cream. It’s not known how often this side effect occurred. This side effect is usually mild. But in rare cases, these symptoms may indicate a more serious reaction.
If you experience this side effect, the stinging or irritation will occur at the skin sites where you’ve applied hydroquinone topical cream.
Skin stinging or irritation also can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, a rare but possible side effect caused by hydroquinone.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of skin stinging or irritation, tell your doctor. They may ask you to make an appointment or send photos of any visible skin reaction you are having. This helps your doctor determine whether this could be an allergic reaction. In this case, they’ll have you stop using hydroquinone. If skin stinging or irritation isn’t due to an allergic reaction, these symptoms may go away with continued treatment. Your doctor can advise on whether you should continue using hydroquinone cream.
For some people, hydroquinone topical cream can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to hydroquinone topical cream, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for hydroquinone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using hydroquinone topical cream.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to use hydroquinone topical cream if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether hydroquinone topical cream is a safe treatment option for you.
Before using hydroquinone topical cream, tell your doctor about your health and any medications you take. Things to consider include:
Hydroquinone and pregnancy
It’s not known whether hydroquinone topical cream should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Hydroquinone and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether hydroquinone topical cream should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Hydroquinone topical cream is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with hydroquinone topical cream.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of hydroquinone topical cream. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here are a few questions you might want to ask your doctor:
- If hydroquinone topical cream is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), how will you determine whether it’s safe for me to use?
- Are there treatments for my condition that are FDA-approved? How do side effects of these medications compare with those of hydroquinone?
- Can I apply other products to my skin, such as cosmetics, while using hydroquinone topical cream?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
