Brand Name: Benoquin
Generic Name: Monobenzone topical
Benoquin is a depigmenting agent. It works by increasing the amount of skin pigment molecules (melanin) eliminated from skin cells in the body.
Benoquin is used to permanently depigment (lighten) skin in people with a condition called vitiligo. Depigmenting (lightening) darker skin around areas of skin affected by vitiligo helps even out the coloring and appearance of the skin.
Benoquin is not for treating freckles, café-au-lait spots, sun damage, melanoma, jaundice, or other pigmentation disorders not caused by vitiligo.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
It may take up to 4 months of treatment with Benoquin to complete the depigmentation of treated skin. Tell your doctor if your condition does not begin to improve after a month of using this medication.
Skin treated with Benoquin may be especially sensitive to sunlight or irritation for the rest of your life.
Using Benoquin may also cause changes in the color of your untreated skin. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about possible depigmentation of other skin areas not affected by vitiligo.
Store Benoquin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to monobenzone. Do not use Benoquin on any areas that are not affected by vitiligo.
Benoquin is not to be used as a cosmetic bleaching agent.
Before using Benoquin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Benoquin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Benoquin and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation, burning, swelling, or itching.
Less serious side effects may include: