fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin topical

Generic Name: fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin topical
Overview Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose

What is fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Fluocinolone is a steroid and is used topically to reduce inflammation or swelling.

Hydroquinone topical is a skin depigmenting (bleaching) agent.

Tretinoin topical is a form of vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

Together, fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical are used in the short-term treatment of melasma (dark skin patches) of the face.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfites. The Tri-Luma cream formulation of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical contains a metabisulfite, a compound that may cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible people.

Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical will harm an unborn baby. The oral form of tretinoin is known to cause birth defects. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical may pass into breast milk. Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical is usually applied once daily at night, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Gently wash the face with a mild cleanser. Don’t use a wash cloth to apply the cleanser, just your fingers. Rinse and pat dry the skin. Put a small amount (pea-sized or one-half inch or less) of cream on your fingertip. Apply a thin coat to the discolored spots. Also coat about a one-half inch of skin surrounding the affected area. Rub the medicine lightly and uniformly into the skin. The medicine should become invisible almost at once. If the medication is still visible, too much is being applied.

Skin moisturizers and cosmetics may be used during the day. Do not apply skin moisturizers or cosmetics after application of the medication.

Do not apply fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical to the eyes, inside the nose, lips, angles of the nose or mouth, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical.

The skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold, wind, and heat. Protect the skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed during the day.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical should be used as part of a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program that includes the use of effective sunscreens (minimum SPF of 30) and protective clothing.

Do not use this medication in larger quantities or more often than is prescribed as this will not make it work any faster, and it may increase side effects. Check with your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe.

Store fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double dose of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical.

Where can I get more information about fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?
Your pharmacist has information about fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience

  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

  • darkening of the skin;

  • severe or continued skin irritation, blistering, oozing, scaling, or crusting;

  • severe burning or swelling of the skin; or

  • irritation of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • mild to moderate skin redness, burning, stinging, tingling, itching, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation;

  • increased skin sensitivity;

  • rash;

  • acne;

  • rosacea;

  • skin bumps or blisters; or

  • the appearance of red lines or blood vessels showing through the skin (telangiectasia).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Sunlight or UV rays may also worsen dark skin patches without causing sunburn. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and wear protective clothing anytime you are outside, even on hazy days.

Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical.

The skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold, wind, and heat. Protect the skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion during the day as needed.

Do not apply fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical to the eyes, inside the nose, lips, angles of the nose or mouth, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate the skin.

What should I avoid while taking fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Sunlight or UV rays may also worsen dark skin patches without causing sunburn. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and wear protective clothing anytime you are outside, even on hazy days.

The skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold, wind, and heat. Protect the skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed during the day.

Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate the skin.

What other drugs will affect fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate the skin.

Other medicines may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical:

  • a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others;

  • a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others;

  • a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;

  • a sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and others;

  • a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others; or

  • certain hormones used for birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or other treatments.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical has been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008