Monobenzone

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Monobenzone
Systematic (IUPAC) name
4-(phenylmethoxy)phenol
Identifiers
CAS number 103-16-2
ATC code D11AX13
PubChem 7638
DrugBank DB00600
Chemical data
Formula C13H12O2 
Mol. mass 200.233180 g/mol
Synonyms Hydroquinone benzyl ether, Hydroquinone monobenzyl ether, Benzyl p-hydroxyphenyl ether, Benzyl hydroquinone, Benzoquin
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism  ?
Half life  ?
Excretion  ?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

?
Legal status

?(CA) ?(US)
Routes Topical

Monobenzone is a compound used as a topical drug for medical depigmentation.

Contents

[edit] Chemistry

Monobenzone is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone. Monobenzone occurs as a white, almost tasteless crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in water.

[edit] Pharmacology

The topical application of monobenzone in animals increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Monobenzone may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation.

The histology of the skin after depigmentation with topical monobenzone is the same as that seen in vitiligo; the epidermis is normal except for the absence of identifiable melanocytes. Therefore, monobenzone is used as a topical medicine to permanently depigment normal skin surrounding vitiliginous lesions only in patients with disseminated (greater than 50 percent of body surface area) idiopathic vitiligo.

[edit] Availability

Brandnames include: Monobenzon, Dermochinona, Leucodinine, Carmifal, Depigman, Superlite, Pigmex.

[edit] Sources


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