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Hydro-Q

Generic: Hydroquinone

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
30815-0040
RxCUI
310926
Route
TOPICAL
ICD-10 indication
L81.1

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About Hydro-Q

What is this medication? Hydro-Q is a topical skin-bleaching medication used to lighten dark patches of skin. It contains the active ingredient hydroquinone, which works by reducing the production of melanin in the skin. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat various forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, age spots, liver spots, freckles, and discoloration caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or skin trauma. By decreasing the formation of pigment in the skin cells, Hydro-Q helps to create a more even skin tone over time. It is typically applied directly to the darkened areas as instructed by a healthcare provider. Because this treatment makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, patients are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using the medication to prevent the dark spots from returning or becoming more severe.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Hydro-Q. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jan 12, 2023

Indications and usage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE HYDRO-Q ® is indicated for the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chlosma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
Dosage and administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINSTRATION HYDRO-Q ® should be applied to the affected areas twice daily, morning and before bedtime or as directed by a physician. During and after the use of HYDRO-Q ® , sun exposure should be limited and a sunscreen agent or protective clothing should be used to cover up the treated areas to prevent regimentation. If no lightening effect is noted after two months of treatment, use of HYDRO-Q ® should be discontinued. There is no recommended dosage for children under the age of 12 years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS HYDRO-Q ® is contraindicated in any patient that has a prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or any of the other ingredients. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.
Warnings
WARNINGS CAUTION: Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent that may produce unwanted cosmetic effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication. Test for skin sensitivity before using HYDRO-Q ® by applying a small amount of the gel to an unbroken patch of skin and check within 24 hours. Minor redness is not a contraindication but where there is itching and vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response further treatment is not advised. Close patient supervision is recommended. Contact with the eyes should be avoided. If no lightening effect is noted after 2 months of treatment the use of HYDRO-Q ® should be discontinued. HYDRO-Q ® is formulated for the treatment of dyschromia and should not be used for the prevention of sunburn. Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight sustains melanocytic activity. To prevent repigmentation during treatment and maintenance therapy, sun exposure on treated skin should be avoided by application of a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or greater) or by use of protective clothing Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician or a poison control center immediately. WARNING: Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause serious allergic reactions (e.g., hives, itching, wheezing, anaphylaxis, severe asthma attack) in certain susceptible persons On rare occasions, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin may occur, in which case, use of HYDRO-Q ® should be discontinued and a physician contacted immediately
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS No systemic reactions have been reported. Occasional cutaneous hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur, in which case the medication should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately
Use in pregnancy
A. Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman, or can affect reproductive capacity.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.