ACLARO HYDROQUINONE
-
hydroquinone emulsion
JSJ Pharmaceuticals
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Aclaro Emulsion
Description
Rx only
For topical use only
Not for ophthalmic use
Hydroquinone is 1,4-benzenediol. Hydroquinone is structurally related to
monobenzone. Hydroquinone occurs as fine, white needles. The drug is freely solubl
e in water and in alcohol with a pKa of 9.96. Chemically, h ydroquinone is designated
as p-dihydroxybenzene; the empirical formula is C6 H6 O2; molecular weight 110.1.The
structural formula is:
Active Ingredients: hydroquinone USP 4% Other Ingredients: ascorbic acid, benzyl
alcohol, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl octanoate,
cetyl alcohol, cetyl esters, cetyl palmitate, DEA cetyl phosphate, dimethicone, disodium
EDTA, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, glycerin, glycolic acid, ammonium glycolate,
h ydroxyethylcellulose, phenoxyethanol, purified water, sodium metabisulfite, and stearic
acid.
Clinical Pharmacology
Topical application of hydroquinone produces a reversible
depigmentation of the skin by inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3- (3,4-
dihydroxyphenyl) alanine (dopa) and suppression of other melanocyte metabolic
processes.
2
Indications and Usage
Aclaro® is indicated for the gradual treatment of ultraviolet
induced dyschromia and discoloration resulting rom the use of oral contraceptives,
pregnancy, hormone replacment therapy, or skin trauma.
Contraindications
Aclaro® is contraindicated in any patient that has a prior history
of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or any of the other ingredients.
The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or on children (12
years and under) has not been established.
Warnings
A. Caution: Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent which may produce unwanted
cosmetic effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the
contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication.
B.Test for skin sensitivity before using Aclaro® (hydroquinone USP 4%) emulsion
by applying a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin and check within 24 hours.
Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching, vesicle formation, or
excessive inflammatory response, further treatment is not advised. Close patient
supervision is recommended. Contact with the eyes should be avoided. If no lightening
effect is noted after two months of treatment, use of Aclaro® emulsion should be
discontinued.
C. Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal
sunlight exposure sustains melanocyte activity. The sunscreens in Aclaro® emulsion
provide the necessary sun protection during therapy. During and after the use of
Aclaro® emulsion, sun exposure should be limited or sun-protective clothing should be
used to cover the treated areas to prevent repigmentation.
D. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. In case of accidental
ingestion, contact a physician or poison control center immediately.
E. Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause serious allergic
reactions (e.g., hives, itching, wheezing, anaphylaxis, severe asthma attack) in certain
susceptible persons.
F. On rare occasions, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin may occur. If this
occurs, the product should be discontinued and a physician contacted immediately.
Precautions
See Warnings:
Pregnancy Category C
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not
known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant
woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical
hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used in
pregnant women only when clearly indicated.
Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted
in human milk. Caution is advised when hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Pediatric usage
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
Dosage and Administration
Apply Umecta topical suspension to affected skin twice per day or as directed by a physician.
Rub in until completely absorbed.
Adverse Reactions
No systemic reactions have been reported. Occasional cutaneous
hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur, in which case the medication
should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately.
Overdosage Section
There have been no systemic reactions reported from the use of topical
hydroquinone.However, treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the
body at one time, since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild
burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
Dosage and Administration
Aclaro® emulsion should be applied to the affected areas twice daily, or as directed by a physician.
There is no recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age
e xcept under the advice and supervision of a physician.
How Supplied
Aclaro®(hydroquinone USP 4%) emulsion is available as follows:
1.7 ounce airless pump bottle NDC 68712-003-01
Store at controlled room temperature:15˚ - 25˚ C (59˚ – 77˚ F)
Manufactured for:
JSJ Pharmaceuticals
Charleston, SC 29401
www.Aclaro4.com
1. Denton C., Lerner A.B., and Fitzpatrick T.B. "Inhibition of Melanin Formation by Chemical
Agents." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1952;18:119 - 135.
2. Jimbow K., Obata H., Pathak M., and Fitzpatrick T.B. "Mechanism of
Depigmentation by Hydroquinone." Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
1974;62:436 - 449.
ACLARO
HYDROQUINONE
hydroquinone
emulsion |
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Revised: 12/2010JSJ Pharmaceuticals