Hydroquinone

Skin-lightening agent
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Melacare. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lightens dark patches such as melasma.

How it works

A skin-lightening agent for dark patches (melasma, age spots). Often combined with a steroid and tretinoin in prescription creams.

How to take it

Apply a thin layer only to dark patches at night for limited periods (usually up to 3 months) and use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Common side effects

  • Redness
  • Stinging
  • Dryness

Get medical help straight away if

  • Blue-black darkening of the skin (ochronosis) with long use
  • Blistering

Be careful

Use only for short periods as prescribed; avoid the sun and use sunscreen.

Other medicines and interactions

Steroid combination creams thin the skin; do not use on the whole face long-term.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Hydroquinone (1)

Melacare

Common questions

What is Hydroquinone used for?

Lightens dark patches such as melasma.

How does Hydroquinone work?

A skin-lightening agent for dark patches (melasma, age spots). Often combined with a steroid and tretinoin in prescription creams.

How should I take Hydroquinone?

Apply a thin layer only to dark patches at night for limited periods (usually up to 3 months) and use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

What are the side effects of Hydroquinone?

Common: Redness, stinging, dryness. Get help straight away for: Blue-black darkening of the skin (ochronosis) with long use, blistering.

Does Hydroquinone interact with other medicines?

Steroid combination creams thin the skin; do not use on the whole face long-term.

Is Hydroquinone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Does Hydroquinone need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Hydroquinone?

Melacare.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.