Get a Hydroquinone Prescription Online
Get a new hydroquinone prescription or refill your medication online.
Available in 50 states. Insurance accepted.
Fast
virtual visits
24/7 care
assistants
Prescriptions
as needed
How to get started
Choose your doctor, start a virtual visit, and have your prescriptions sent to your preferred pharmacy for pickup — all in just a few easy steps.
Choose a doctor
Choose a physician by availability, specialty, ratings, and more.
Start a video call
Get connected with a doctor anytime, anywhere.
Receive your prescription
Get your Rx from the pharmacy of your choice.
Available in 50 states. Insurance accepted.
One-Time
Physician Visit
One-time visit with a physician for diagnosis, treatment, Rx, labs, referrals, and doctor’s notes.
Accepted Insurances
See why people turn to DrHouse...
As seen in
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is an agent that lightens the skin. It helps treat various forms of hyperpigmentation since it can bleach the skin. It can be challenging to treat hyperpigmentation but this is one viable option. There are several skin conditions that have the potential to benefit from using a Hydroquinone prescription.
These are conditions all related to hyperpigmentation including melasma, freckles, age spots, acne scars, and post-inflammatory marks from eczema and psoriasis. Keep in mind that it doesn’t help with active inflammation. Instead, it can be used to help fade red or brown spots that have lingered.
This ingredient and prescription aren’t appropriate for everyone so you should consult with your doctor or a licensed medical professional before using it. Overall, it can lighten dark patches on the skin and is an affordable and effective dark spot treatment. It’s available in a cream, gel, lotion, or emulsion form.
What is Hydroquinone Prescribed For?
Hydroquinone is prescribed for those who have dark patches on the skin that need to be lightened. You may be familiar with the terms it helps treat such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, liver spots, age spots, and freckles.
The effect of using this prescription on your face only reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots temporarily. When you stop using it, the dark spots may return as the skin begins to renew.
It is prescribed for those who may have areas of skin that have grown darker than the other areas on the face, and generally speaking, is an effective lightening agent.
It’s typically well-tolerated for all skin types but may cause irritation or further dryness for those with dry or sensitive skin. It tends to work best for individuals with fair skin tones.
How Does Hydroquinone Work?
How it works is that Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by way of decreasing the number of melanocytes that exist.
Melanocytes make melanin, and melanin is how your skin tone is produced. Your skin can become more evenly toned by controlling the melanocytes.
If you have hyperpigmentation then it means there is an increase in melanocyte production happening. You’ll likely notice it making an impact and difference on your skin in about four weeks, and it can be several months before you see complete results.
While you previously could get it over the counter, it’s not available any longer. However, the prescription-strength formula has the potential to work best.
What Are The Side Effects of Hydroquinone?
There are possible side effects of Hydroquinone to be mindful of. Although, it is deemed safe to use in the US. One minor side effect, if you have dry skin, is that you may see an uptick in redness or dryness initially. However, you’re likely to notice these fade with continued use and as your skin gets used to the product. It’s also possible you have burning or stinging skin and blisters or oozing.
There are some rare instances when Hydroquinone can cause ochronosis. It’s more likely to appear after prolonged daily use and is represented by papules and bluish-black pigmentation. Always tell your doctor if you notice concerns and if any of these effects worsen over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroquinone
What to Avoid While Using Hydroquinone?
It’s important that you not use peroxide products such as benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide with Hydroquinone since the result can be discoloration. You should also avoid alpha hydroxy acids as these can irritate your skin. Don’t use Hydroquinone if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use Hydroquinone?
Always consult with a licensed medical professional or doctor before use. Hydroquinone topical is usually applied to affected areas of your skin twice per day. However, always refer to what your provider tells you.
It’s important that you avoid getting it in your eyes and only use small amounts on the skin and that you apply it to the affected areas. You shouldn’t use products with this ingredient for more than five months at a time or you risk negative side effects.
Can You Get Hydroquinone Over the Counter?
No, Hydroquinone is a prescription medication and cannot be purchased over the counter.
Can You Get a Prescription for Hydroquinone From DrHouse?
Yes, medical professionals on DrHouse can prescribe Hydroquinone if it is deemed necessary for your specific skin condition.
For more detailed information about Hydroquinone, you can refer to the following sources:
- Hydroquinone Cream Prescribing Information, Drugs.com.
- Everything You Need to Know About Hydroquinone, Healthline
- Hydroquinone, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC