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Hydroquinone 4% Cream
Hydroquinone inhibits melanin synthesis by suppressing tyrosinase activity, reducing pigment production in the skin.
Hydroquinone inhibits melanin synthesis by suppressing tyrosinase activity, reducing pigment production in the skin. Used for Melasma, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Lentigines and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Hydroquinone 4% Cream |
|---|---|
| Also known as | HQ |
| Sponsor | Islamabad Medical and Dental College |
| Drug class | Depigmenting agent |
| Target | Tyrosinase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent that works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. By blocking this key step in melanin biosynthesis, it reduces the production and transfer of melanin to keratinocytes, leading to gradual lightening of hyperpigmented skin lesions. The 4% concentration is a standard topical formulation used for treating various forms of hyperpigmentation.
Approved indications
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Lentigines and other forms of hyperpigmentation
Common side effects
- Contact dermatitis
- Irritation and erythema
- Dryness and scaling
- Ochronosis (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Efficacy of Metformin Gel 30% vs Triple Combination Cream (Hydroquinone 4%, Flucinolone Acetonide 0.01%, Tretinoin 0.025%) in Treatment of Melasma in Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi (NA)
- Azelaic Acid 20% vs Hydroquinone 4% in Epidermal Melasma (NA)
- COMPARISON OF A COSMETIC SERUM AND 4% HYDROQUINONE FOR TREATING MELASMA OVER 84 DAYS (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of a Combined Serum Containing Melasyl™, 10% Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and HEPES (NA)
- EFFICACY and TOLERABILITY of TESTED FORMULA VS. HYDROQUINONE 4% in the TREATMENT of FACIAL MELASMA (NA)
- Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Triple Combination Cream of Fucinolone Acetonide 0.01%, Hydroquinone 4%, Tretinoin 0.05% with Mometasone Furoate 0.1%, Hydroquinone 4%, Tretinoin 0.05% in the Treatment of Melasma (NA)
- Fractional Erbium YAG Laser vs Intradermal and Systemic Tranexamic Acid (NA)
- Anti-pigmenting Effect of a Routine of Facial Products in Subjects With Melasma (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Hydroquinone 4% Cream CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Hydroquinone 4% Cream updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Islamabad Medical and Dental College portfolio CI