Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin
About
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is a combination medication primarily used to treat melasma (a type of skin problem). Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. It is more common in women than men. The discolored (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is a combination of three drugs, namely: Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid), Hydroquinone (skin lightening agent), and Tretinoin (retinoids). Hydrocortisone works by acting inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling. Hydroquinone belongs to the class of skin-lightening agents that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin belongs to the class of retinoids (man-made vitamin A) that works by increasing the renewal of skin cells, which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers.
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is only for external use. Use Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dry skin, redness, irritation, burning, itching, or stinging sensation of the skin. Most of these side effects of Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or planning for pregnancy, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin. Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking until Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin has dried completely on your skin, and do not use Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.
Uses of Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin
Medicinal Benefits
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is a combination of three drugs, namely: Hydrocortisone, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin used to treat melasma. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that acts inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching and swelling. When the skin reacts to any allergens, such chemicals are released normally. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that decreases the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin is a retinoid (man-made vitamin A) that increases the renewal of skin cells which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers. Also, tretinoin loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, it decreases pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Together, Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin reduces dark spots on the skin and provides relief from itching, redness and swelling.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin
- Dry skin
- Redness, irritation, burning, itching or stinging sensation of skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or planning for pregnancy, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin. Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not apply Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin in large amounts or use it for prolonged time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but causes adverse effects. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking until Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin has dried completely on your skin and do not use Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin may interact with topical antibiotics (benzoyl peroxide). However, if you are using any other medicines, please inform your doctor before using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have sulfite allergy, asthma, eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin), dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin), any skin infection, adrenal gland, kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin while breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedHydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionHydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin is not recommended for children below 10 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid sun exposure while using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear spots. Take a shower immediately after finishing the exercise.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun exposure.
- Avoid using skin products that irritate such as skin cleansers or shampoos, harsh soaps, hair removers or waxes, hair colors or permanent chemicals, and skin products with astringents, lime, spices, or alcohol.
Special Advise
Please consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 months of treatment with Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Melasma: It is also known as chloasma, a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. Melasma may be caused due to sun exposure, hormone therapy, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid, or even stress. It is more common in women than men. It may occur in pregnant women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is called as ‘mask of pregnancy’ and fades away after pregnancy on its own or after stopping the usage of contraceptive pills. It can be treated by using skin-lightening creams, topical steroids, dermabrasion, or chemical peels.
FAQs
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin contains Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid), Hydroquinone (skin lightening agent) and Tretinoin (retinoids). Hydrocortisone works by acting inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching and swelling. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin works by increasing the renewal of skin cells which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers.
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin may cause skin irritation, burning sensation or itching at the site of application. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin and consult a doctor.
Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight in the treated areas. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
You are advised to use moisturizer in the morning every day to restore the fat barrier of the skin that protects the skin from damage. Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin may make skin more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind. Therefore, wear protective clothing and use moisturizer as required. However, please consult a doctor before using moisturizing lotions or any other products with Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin.
You are not recommended to use Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or any other peroxide products as it may cause staining of the skin which can be usually removed with soap and water. However, please consult a doctor before using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin with other medicines.
You are not recommended to stop using Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Hydrocortisone+hydroquinone+tretinoin, please consult your doctor.
