"FLOO-oh-SIN-oh-lone/tret-ih-NO-in/hi-dro-KWIN-own"
This combination medication is used to treat melasma on the face. Melasma is a condition of dark patchy areas on the skin, especially on the cheeks and forehead. It sometimes occurs with hormone changes. This product contains 3 different kinds of medication. Hydroquinone is a reversible skin bleaching agent. Tretinoin is a retinoid that increases skin shedding. Fluocinolone is a medium strength corticosteroid that reduces swelling, itching, and redness.
This medication may improve your melasma, but it is not a cure. Continued exposure to some of the causes of melasma (such as sunlight, estrogen-type birth control hormones) may cause it to return.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using, apply a small amount of this medicine to an area of unbroken skin, and check the area within 24 hours for any serious side effects. If the test area is itching, red, puffy, or blistering, do not use this product and contact your doctor. If there is just mild redness, then treatment with this product may begin.
Before using, gently wash your face and neck with a mild soapless cleanser. Rinse and pat dry the skin.
Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area, including about 1/2 inch (1.5 centimeters) of normal-appearing skin around the affected area as directed by your doctor, usually once daily 30 minutes before bedtime. Rub the medication into the skin gently and completely. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
This medication may make the treated areas of skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater and wear protective clothing on the treated areas of skin when outdoors, even on cloudy or hazy days.
If you experience dry skin from using this product, you may use a skin moisturizer in the morning after washing your face. You may also use a moisturizer and cosmetics during the day while using this medication.
Avoid getting this product in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. If you do get this medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. If severe irritation occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each night.
It may take up to 4 weeks to notice significant improvement. However, this medication is not recommended for long-term use (such as longer than 8 weeks) without stopping the medication for short periods. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 4 weeks of treatment.
Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.
Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.
Learn more about First DataBank
There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.
Information expires December 2025.