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Hydroquinone use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 29, 2024.

Drugs containing Hydroquinone: Lustra, Hydroquinone and Sunscreen, Tri-Luma, Kevarya, Kataryaxn, Kuvarye, AMBI Fade, Esoterica Nighttime, Eldopaque Forte, Melquin HP, Show all 75 »Skin Lightening Complex, Complex HQ Plus, Triderma, Keya, Katarya, Ketarya, Kutaryaxm, Kutaryaxmpa, Kuvarya, Olivia Quido Firm and Fade, Esoterica, Melquin, Obagi-C Rx System C-Therapy Night Cream, Melamin, Melamix, Palmers Skin Success Eventone Fade, Solaquin Forte, Glytone Skin Lightening, Neova Complex HQ Plus, LumaSilk, Obagi Condition and Enhance, Obagi Skin Lightening Complex, Skinprint Cleartone, NeoCeuticals Post-Acne Fade, Glytone Clarifying, NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening, Esoterica Daytime, Olivia Quido Blemish Erase, Obagi C Rx System C Clarifying Serum, Alustra, Recover Lightening Complex, SunVanish Cream, Eldoquin Forte, Melanex, Melquin-3, Nuquin HP, Eldoquin, Eldopaque, Melanol, Melpaque HP, Viquin Forte, Blanche, Solaquin, Alphaquin HP, Esoterica Sensitive Skin, Lustra-AF, Glyquin, Claripel, Glyquin-XM, Esoterica with Sunscreen, EpiQuin Micro, Nava-SC, Aclaro, Lustra-Ultra, Remergent HQ, Alera, Aclaro PD, Kaxm, Exuviance Intense Lightening Complex, Keido, Kexm, Kutea, Kuxm, Melamin-C, Hydro-Q

Hydroquinone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Topical hydroquinone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Although hydroquinone is not contraindicated during breastfeeding, some experts feel that long-term use of hydroquinone is difficult to justify in a nursing mother.[1] If hydroquinone is used, ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of maternal skin that have been treated and the infant does not ingest the product from the mother's skin.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.
Yaghi M, McMullan P, Truong TM, et al. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An Update - Part II: Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024;91:651-68. [PubMed: 38280680]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Hydroquinone

CAS Registry Number

123-31-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antioxidants

Depigmentors

Dermatologic Agents

Hydroquinones

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.