Monobenzone Uses in Specific Populations

Monobenzone also known as 4-(Benzyloxy)phenol and monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is an organic chemical in the phenol family with the formula C6H5CH2OC6H4OH.It is used as a topical remedy for medical depigmentation.It is a colorless solid classified as the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone.Benzophenone is soluble in ethanol, benzene and ether, and practically insoluble in water.

Pharmacology 

Topical application of monobenzone in animals increases the excretion of melanin from melanocytes.The same effect is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug on the human body.Monobenzone may destroy melanocytes and permanent pigmentation.The histology of the skin after topical monophenone depigmentation was identical to that of leukoplakia; the epidermis was normal except for the absence of identifiable melanocytes.Therefore, only in patients with disseminated (greater than 50% body surface area) idiopathic leukoplakia,monobenzone is used as a topical agent to permanently depigment the normal skin surrounding leukoplakia lesions.Monobenzone is also considered for the treatment of melanoma.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy:

• Pregnancy Category (FDA): C.Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with phenoquine 20% cream.It is also not known whether phenoquine 20% cream can cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman, or if it could affect fertility. Benjaquin cream 20% should be given to pregnant women only when clearly needed.

Pregnancy Category (AUS):

• Australian Drugs Evaluation Council (ADEC) pregnancy category.The Australian Drugs Evaluation Council (ADEC) has no guidelines for the use of monobenzone in pregnant women.

Labor and childbirth

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone during labor and delivery.

Breastfeeding mother:

• It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.Caution should be exercised when administering benzoquine 20% cream to a nursing woman as many drugs are excreted in human milk.

Pediatric Use:

The safety and effectiveness of phenoquine 20% cream have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age.

Elderly use:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in elderly patients.

Gender:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in specific gender groups.

Race:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in specific ethnic groups.

Renal insufficiency:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in patients with renal impairment.

Liver damage:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in patients with hepatic impairment.

Females and males of reproductive potential:

There are no FDA guidelines for the use of monobenzone in women and men of reproductive potential.

immunocompromised patients:

The FDA has no guidance for the use of monobenzone in immunocompromised patients.