Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 2%
- 4%
lotion
- 2%
Emulsion
- 4%
topical solution
- 2%
- 3%
topical gel
- 2%
- 4%
Reduce Melanin Hyperpigmentation
Apply to affected areas and rub in thoroughly q12hr
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 2%
- 4%
lotion
- 2%
Emulsion
- 4%
topical solution
- 2%
- 3%
topical gel
- 2%
- 4%
Reduce Melanin Hyperpigmentation
< 12 years
- Safety & efficacy not established
>12 years
- Apply to affected areas and rub in thoroughly q12hr
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging)
Dermatitis
Dryness
Erythema
Inflammatory reaction
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Sunburn
Use as depilatory drug
Cautions
Contain sulfites that may cause allergic-type reactions
Avoid unecessary exposure to sunlight
Do not apply near eyes, to cut, abraded, or sunburned skin, after shaving or using a depilatory agent; or over miliaria rubra (prickly heat)
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unknown if distributed in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Elicits reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibiting enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA); also suppresses other melanocyte metabolic processes; sun exposure reverses effect and cause repigmentation
Pharmacokinetics
Onset and duration: Varies per individual
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
