Melalite 4% 30 gm Cream

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRx Medicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at Goodrxmedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

About the brand name of the drug

Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg (Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate) acts as an effective topical medicine used to reduce and treat dark coloured patches and freckles on the skin, manufactured by Abbott, India. It is administered in the form of a Tube. It is given in cases where the skin gets affected due to exposure to the sun and also due to hormonal changes and ageing. 

About the drug 

The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg is Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate. It is available in dosage strengths like 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. It is easily available at offline pharmacies, online pharmacies, drug stores. It is an over the counter drug or medication. It is used for the treatment of skin related problems. It gives better results when taken with proper diet and exercise.  

 Some other brands equivalent to Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg (Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate) in the USA are:

• Alustra 

About salt of the drug

Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate is responsible for the topical activity. Hydroquinone is used as a topical lightening agent. It is found in various OTC (Over the counter) products. It is mainly used to treat the skin discolouration associated with hyperpigmentation, sunspots and freckles. It can be used alone or in combination. It is used frequently in combination with alpha-hydroxy acids, corticosteroids, retinoids or sunscreen. It is used to lighten the dark patches in the skin caused by hormonal pills, pregnancy or due to birth control pills usage.

Oxybenzone is an organic compound. It is one of the ingredients used in sunscreens. It is used in the preparation because it has the tendency to absorb UV-A (Ultraviolet) rays.

Octinoxate is a very common ingredient used in sunscreens. It is having the tendency to minimize the damage caused by the harmful rays to DNA. It is combined with different agents in order to increase its availability locally at the epidermis and decrease the percutaneous absorption.

Medical Uses of the drug

  Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg drug is used for the treatment of:

• Hyperpigmentation disorders

• Melasma

• Freckles

• Sunspots

• Acne

• Age Spots

 Working of a drug 

Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg contains Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate as an active pharmaceutical ingredient which is responsible for its topical activity. It shows its activity by reducing the melanin production (an agent which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin) the more is the melanin production darker is the skin. It suppresses the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase which is important for melanin production. Thereby, helping in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone takes a few months to show effective results.

Oxybenzone acts by absorbing the UV rays prevents these rays reaching the skin and damaging it.

Octinoxate absorbs mainly UV-B rays and also UV-A rays and accumulates them in the epidermis region without allowing it to penetrate further into the skin. It is a photoprotective agent. It prevents DNA and cellular damage by reducing the expression of P53 gene and it also increases tolerability to these rays

Side effects 

 The use of Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg is generally safe and is having very few side effects, but it may result in some other side effects based on patient acceptance: 

• Swelling of the skin

• Itching

• Dry skin

• Burning sensation at the site of application

• Skin peeling

• Redness of skin

• Blistering

• Skin thinning

• Contact dermatitis

If the above side effects persist continuously then the patient must seek medical attention immediately.

 How to use 

Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg is a prescription-only drug which is to be administered exactly in the same manner as prescribed by the physician. All the instructions directed by the doctor should be followed. The following instructions should be keep in mind:

• The medication should be taken as prescribed by the physician

• This medication is for external use only

• The affected area should be cleaned and dried properly only when the cream is to be applied

• It is suggested to check the label for directions of use

• Wash your hands properly after applying the medicated cream

Drugs that are known to interact with this medicine

Drug interactions are very common when two or more drugs are taken together. Some potent drugs that can interact with Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg are-

• Avoid the medication if you are already on other allergic to the drug or its ingredients

• It should not be taken with drugs like Abacavir and Acarbose as these drugs decrease the excretion of oxybenzone which results in higher serum level 

• Avoid concurrent use of Acetazolamide and melalite as it increases the rate of excretion and lowers the plasma serum levels

• Cannot be administered with Allopurinol, Amphetamine and amitriptyline as it causes side effects

When to avoid taking the drug

• Avoid taking the medication if the patient is allergic to the medication.
• It is not recommended if the patient is suffering from sunburns
• Avoid this in children below 12 years of age
• Not recommended for removal of unwanted hairs present on the body
• It should not be taken if the person is allergic to any of the ingredients used in the cream
• It is not to be applied in case of asthma, eczema or psoriasis

Things to avoid when using the drug

When taking Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg (Hydroquinone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate) avoid consumption of:

• Alcohol- Consumption of alcohol with Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg should be avoided as exact side effects are not clear. It is advised to consult the physician

• Do not stop the medication in between the treatment even when you feel completely healthy without consulting your doctor

• Avoid any kind of interaction of the medication with eyes, lips, nose or broken skin 

General Information and Precautions

• The medicine must be protected from the reach of children.

• Inform the doctor about your medical history 

Precautions

• Alcohol- Consumption of alcohol with Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg should be avoided as exact side effects are not clear. It is advised to consult the physician

• Pregnancy- The medication is not prescribed to pregnant women as it affects the growth of the foetus. Do not take the medication unless it is necessary

• Driving – It is not safe to consume it before driving or using machines. This is the drug may cause the patient dizzy. Avoid it till you are completely alert.

• Lactation- this medication is usually avoided during lactation as it passes through breast milk.

Storage

• Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg tablets must be stored away from the reach of kids
• It must be stored at 20-25 degree Celsius temperature
• Special care must be taken for the protection of the drug against moisture and light
• It should be protected from heat
• It should be stored in an airtight container
• Do not use this medicine after it expires

General FAQs regarding the drug

Is Melalite 4% Cream 30 Mg is a habit-forming drug?

Ans. No, it is not having habit-forming tendencies.

How long does a person need to use this medication to get effective results?

Ans. It generally takes 2 weeks to 1 month to get effective results but this is not the same for everyone as the treatment effect varies for everyone based on their condition.

How frequently can the cream be used?

Ans. It is used once or twice daily. It generally takes 12-24 hours to show its activity. But it is still advised to take the physicians to consult before using it.

 Should a person use melalite cream with food or without food?

Ans. Since the medication is applied externally it does not interact with the food. So a person can use the medication with or without food.