home > drugs a-z list > melquin-3 topical solution (hydroquinone 3% topical solution) drug center > melquin-3 topical solution (hydroquinone 3% topical solution) drug - warnings and precautions

1. Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent which may produce undesired effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication.
2. To evaluate possible susceptibility to irritation or sensitivity, each patient should begin by applying the medication to a small portion of unbroken skin at or near the pigmented area over a period of several days. Minor redness is not necessarily a contraindication, but treatment should be discontinued if itching, excessive inflammation, or vesicle formation occurs. Use of ALPHAQUIN HP 4%, CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% GEL, MELPAQUE HP 4% CREAM, MELQUIN HP 4% CREAM and MELQUIN-3 TOPICAL SOLUTION (hydroquinone 3% topical solution) in paranasal and infraorbital areas increases the chance of irritations (See ADVERSE REACTIONS). If no improvement is seen after two months of treatment, use of this product should be discontinued.
3. Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy since even minimal sunlight exposure stimulates melanocyte activity. The sunscreens in ALPHAQUIN HP 4% CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% CREAM and NUQUIN HP 4% GEL and the sunblocks in MELPAQUE HP 4% CREAM provide the necessary sun protection during skin bleaching activity. During the depigmentation maintenance treatment subsequent to the intensive depigmentation therapy, sun exposure of the bleached skin should be avoided to prevent repigmentation.
4. There are no sunblocking or sunscreen agents in MELQUIN HP 4% CREAM and MELQUIN-3 TOPICAL SOLUTION (hydroquinone 3% topical solution) . Sun exposure should be minimized by using a sunscreen agent, or protective clothing to cover bleached skin in order to prevent repigmentation from occurring. For daytime treatment use ALPHAQUIN HP 4% CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% GEL or MELPAQUE HP 4% CREAM.
5. NUQUIN HP 4% GEL contains Sodium Bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.
6. ALPHAQUIN HP 4% CREAM, NUQUIN HP 4% CREAM, MELPAQUE HP 4% CREAM and MELQUIN HP 4% CREAM contains Sodium Metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.
7. Keep this and all other medications out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a physician or a poison control center immediately.
8. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes thoroughly with water and contact physician. A bitter taste and antiseptic effect may occur if applied to the lips.

(See WARNINGS)

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered on a pregnant women or can affect reproductive capacity. It is also not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used in pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether topical administration of hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by nursing mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/20/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.