eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical inhibitor of hair growth
Licensed use
Facial hirsutism in adult women
Application area
Affected facial areas and under the chin
Hair removal
It does not remove existing hair, so another removal method may still be needed
What is eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate used for?
Licensed use:
Treatment of excessive facial hair growth in adult women.
How does eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate work?
It irreversibly blocks ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme hair follicles use to form the hair shaft. This slows new growth but does not remove existing hair or treat an underlying hormonal cause.
eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 11.5%
How to take eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate
Use only on affected areas of the face and under the chin as directed by the prescriber.
Clean and dry the skin, apply a thin layer and rub it in until no visible residue remains.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid the eyes and inside of the nose or mouth; rinse well with water after accidental contact.
Do not apply to cut, irritated or broken skin.
eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Acne or spots
- Stinging, burning or tingling
- Dry, itchy, red or irritated skin
- Rash
- Inflamed hair follicles or shaving bumps
- Hair loss at the treated area
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, especially with breathing or swallowing difficulty
- A severe, painful, rapidly worsening, blistering or peeling skin reaction
eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy or while trying to become pregnant. Human information is limited and the potential fetal risk is unknown. Discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate while breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding because it is unknown whether eflornithine or its metabolites pass into breast milk. Ask the prescriber about alternatives.
eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed.
Other treatments applied to the same skin
Local compatibility and effects are uncertain. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist before combining topical treatments.
Cyclosporin, glucocorticoids, minoxidil, phenobarbital, phenytoin and androgenic hormone replacement
These can promote excessive hair growth and may require review of the underlying cause; this is not described as a direct interaction.
Common questions about eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed to reduce excessive facial hair growth in adult women.
Does it remove facial hair?
No. It slows new growth, so another hair-removal method may still be needed.
What happens when treatment stops?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.