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Hydroquinone use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 6, 2023.

Drugs containing Hydroquinone: Tri-Luma, Hydroquinone and Sunscreen, Lustra, Melanol, Viquin Forte, Kataryaxn, Esoterica, Melamin, Alustra, Melanex, Show all 75 »Melquin HP, Eldoquin, Skin Lightening Complex, Lustra-AF, Triderma, Keya, Katarya, Ketarya, Kevarya, Kutaryaxm, Kutaryaxmpa, Kuvarya, Kuvarye, Olivia Quido Firm and Fade, Melquin, Obagi-C Rx System C-Therapy Night Cream, Melamix, AMBI Fade, 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, Esoterica Nighttime, Olivia Quido Blemish Erase, Obagi C Rx System C Clarifying Serum, Recover Lightening Complex, SunVanish Cream, Eldopaque Forte, Eldoquin Forte, Melquin-3, Nuquin HP, Eldopaque, Melpaque HP, Blanche, Solaquin, Alphaquin HP, Esoterica Sensitive Skin, 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, Complex HQ Plus, 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.
Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70:417.e1-417.e10. [PubMed: 24528912]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Hydroquinone

CAS Registry Number

123-31-9

Drug Class

  • Breast Feeding
  • Lactation
  • 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.