Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Brand Name :
AMBI Fade [OTC] [DSC]; EpiQuin Micro [DSC]; Blanche; Esoterica Daytime [OTC] [DSC]; hydroquinone Time Release [DSC]; Esoterica Fade Nighttime [OTC] [DSC];NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening [OTC] [DSC]; TL hydroquinone [DSC]; Remergent HQ [DSC];
Synonyms :
hydroquinone
Class :
Depigmenting Agents
Brand Name :
AMBI Fade [OTC] [DSC]; EpiQuin Micro [DSC]; Blanche; Esoterica Daytime [OTC] [DSC]; hydroquinone Time Release [DSC]; Esoterica Fade Nighttime [OTC] [DSC];NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening [OTC] [DSC]; TL hydroquinone [DSC]; Remergent HQ [DSC];
Synonyms :
hydroquinone
Class :
Depigmenting Agents
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
CreamÂ
2%Â
3%Â
4%Â
6%Â
8%Â Â
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
CreamÂ
2%Â
3%Â
4%Â
6%Â
8%Â Â
Refer to the adult indicationÂ
Actions:Â
hydroquinone acts as a depigmenting agent by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By reducing its production, hydroquinone helps lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Â
Spectrum:Â
hydroquinone is primarily used to treat localized areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin. This includes conditions such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, lentigines (age spots), and other hyperpigmentation resulting from sun damage or hormonal changes. It is most effective for epidermal hyperpigmentation (pigment in the top layer of the skin) rather than deeper dermal pigmentation.Â
Frequency not definedÂ
Mild skin irritationÂ
DrynessÂ
ErythemaÂ
Inflammatory reactionÂ
DermatitisÂ
NoneÂ
Hypersensitivity
Sun sensitivity
Pregnancy
Skin conditions
Age restrictions
US FDA pregnancy category: C.
Breastfeeding warnings:
No data is available regarding the secretion of the drug during pregnancy.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.     Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.     Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.     Â
Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available.
Pharmacology:
Hydroquinone inhibits the activity of tyrosinase enzyme and reduces the pigmentation effects. Tyrosinase converts tyrosine amino acid into melanin. It is responsible for the color of skin. Hydroquinone reduces the production of melanin and lead to improvement in the skin and hyperpigmented areas.
Pharmacodynamics:
Hydroquinone is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosine enzyme. Hydroquinone reduces the production of melanin and inhibits the tyrosine activity. It affects the production of eumelanin. It is a darker form of melanin which contributes to the pigmentation of the skin.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Hydroquinone is absorbed in the skin when it is applied topically. The absorption is dependent on the factors like concentration, formula of the product, and condition of the skin. It is absorbed systemically when it is administrated orally.
Distribution
Hydroquinone is distributed in the body after the absorption. It penetrated the epidermis and goes to the melanocytes. It exerts the depigmentation effects. It does not have any systemic distribution in the skin.
Metabolism
Hydroquinone goes for the hepatic metabolism by glucuronidation and sulfation process. These convert the hydroquinone into different metabolites like hydroquinone glucuronide and sulfate. They are less active than the hydroquinone.
Elimination and Excretion
The elimination of hydroquinone and metabolites happens mainly by the kidneys. They are excreted in the urine. The elimination ½  of hydroquinone is short from about 1 to 2 hours.
Clean the skin before application of hydroquinone.
Apply a thin layer of hydroquinone to the affected area.
Follow the suggested frequency of application, usually 2 times a day.
Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.
Protect the treated area from the excessive sun exposure by using the sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Follow the recommended duration of treatment.
Monitor the progress and consult to a healthcare provider if needed.
Generic Name: Â hydroquinone
Pronounced as: hy-dro-kwi-noe-n
Why do we use hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is used to treat the pigmentation on the skin and skin disease like melasma, eczema, or skin injury.