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Melrio Cream is used to treat melasma (dark brown skin patches). It reduces melanin production to lighten dark spots, eases redness and irritation, and promotes skin cell renewal for a more even tone. It also helps reduce fine lines, prevent dryness, and maintain overall skin health.

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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

HYDROQUINONE-0.2%W/W+MOMETASONE-0.1%W/W+TRETINOIN-0.025%W/W

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Ajanta Pharma Ltd

Consume Type :

Topical

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Melrio Cream

This cream is typically prescribed for daily application, usually once a day in the evening. Consistent use is essential to see improvement, but you must avoid applying it for longer than your doctor recommends to prevent permanent skin thinning. To help secure the best results, you should strictly protect your treated skin from sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen during the day.

While using this medicine, you may experience mild skin peeling, redness, or a slight burning sensation as your skin adjusts. These local reactions are common and usually temporary. However, if you develop severe burning, swelling, or bluish-black skin discolouration, you should stop using the cream and consult your doctor immediately.

Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, or any history of skin allergies. Do not use this medicine if you have an active skin infection, open wounds, or a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the cream.

You should avoid using other harsh skin products, such as exfoliating soaps or alcohol-based cosmetics, because they can cause severe skin irritation when combined with this cream. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not use this medicine as it can be absorbed through the skin and may cause harm. Elderly patients should use this medication with caution and under close medical supervision.

Uses of Melrio Cream

Your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat several conditions, including:

  • Melasma: Melrio Cream helps lighten dark, patchy spots on the face that are often triggered by hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or sun exposure.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Melrio Cream treats stubborn dark spots left behind by skin inflammation, acne scars, or minor skin injuries.
  • Senile Lentigines (Age Spots): Melrio Cream helps fade dark patches that develop as a result of ageing and long-term exposure to ultraviolet light.
     

Key Benefits

When used as directed, this medicine offers several important benefits, including:

  • Reduction of Dark Spots and Uneven Skin Tone: Melrio Cream helps reduce excess pigmentation and gradually fades dark patches, helping improve skin tone and create a more even complexion.
  • Smoother and Clearer Skin Appearance: By supporting the removal of dull, damaged skin cells, Melrio Cream helps improve skin texture and promotes a smoother, more refreshed appearance over time.
  • Relief from Treatment-Related Skin Irritation: Melrio Cream helps calm local redness and irritation that may occur during skin treatment, improving overall skin comfort while addressing pigmentation concerns.
     
Side effects of Melrio Cream 20 gm
Managing Medication-Triggered Erythema (Redness of the Skin or Skin redness): A Step-by-Step Guide:
  • Consult your doctor if you experience skin redness, itching, or irritation after taking medication.
  • Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan by changing your medication or providing guidance on managing your erythema symptoms.
  • Your doctor may recommend or prescribe certain medications to help alleviate symptoms.
  • Apply cool compresses or calamine lotion to the affected skin area to reduce redness and itching.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help alleviate symptoms and keep your skin hydrated.
  • Monitor your skin condition closely and promptly report any changes, worsening symptoms, or concerns to your healthcare provider.
  • Moisturize frequently with thick, broad-spectrum moisturizers containing sunscreen.
  • Use warm water for short baths, and gentle cleansers.
  • Pat dry and apply moisturizer immediately.
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and choose breathable fabrics like cotton and silk.
  • Wash clothes with fragrance-free detergents to minimize irritation.
Here are the few steps for dealing with itching caused by drug use:
  • Report the itching to your doctor immediately; they may need to change your medication or dosage.
  • Use a cool, damp cloth on the itchy area to help soothe and calm the skin, reducing itching and inflammation.
  • Keep your skin hydrated and healthy with gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers.
  • Try not to scratch, as this can worsen the itching and irritate your skin.
  • If your doctor prescribes, you can take oral medications or apply topical creams or ointments to help relieve itching.
  • Track your itching symptoms and follow your doctor's guidance to adjust your treatment plan if needed. If the itching persists, consult your doctor for further advice.
  • Burning sensation is an abnormal side effect that needs medical attention. To relieve the burning feeling, your doctor may prescribe painkillers or antidepressants.
  • Focused exercises can improve strength and reduce burning by soothing muscles.
  • Change in lifestyle and improving nutrition can reduce the causes of burning sensation and provide relief.
  • Your doctor may suggest nerve block injections as it is related to sensation in the skin.
  • Burning feeling in a specific area would need mild electrical currents to reduce pain that targets the nerve affected. This practice must be done only if your doctor mentions it.
  • Keep your skin clean by gently washing your face two times daily and after sweating. Choose a mild and non-abrasive cleanser.
  • Use gentle alcohol-free skin care products. Avoid products that might irritate your skin such as exfoliants, astringents and toners.
  • Acne may also occur due to oil in the hair. Thus, if you have oily hair, shampoo more frequently than you do now and keep your hair away from face.
  • Keep your hands off your face as touching face throughout the day might worsen acne. Also, do not pick, squeeze or pop acne as it will prolong the healing process and increase the risk of dark spots and scarring.
  • Avoid tanning by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing when outdoors.

Directions for Use

  • Melrio Cream is for external use (face) only.
  • Apply once at night, or as advised by your doctor, for optimal effectiveness.
  • Wash the face with mild soap and pat the skin dry. Take a small amount of Melrio Cream on a fingertip and apply it to the clean and dry affected area.
  • Avoid contact of Melrio Cream with nose, mouth, or eyes. If Melrio Cream comes into contact with these areas accidentally, rinse thoroughly with water.

How Melrio Cream Works

Melrio Cream contains hydroquinone, mometasone, and tretinoin. This medicine works through the combined action of three active ingredients that target dark spots and uneven skin tone in different ways. The first active component is hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent. It works by blocking the biological pathway that produces melanin, the pigment responsible for dark skin spots. By reducing melanin production, it gradually fades dark areas. The second component is mometasone, a medium-to-potent corticosteroid. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation caused by inflammation. Because it is a stronger steroid, it should only be used for the duration recommended by your doctor, as prolonged use may increase the risk of skin thinning and other steroid-related side effects. The third component is tretinoin, a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It speeds up the natural renewal of your skin cells, causing old, pigmented skin cells to shed faster so that new, evenly pigmented skin can rise to the surface. It also helps the skin-lightening agent penetrate deeper into the skin.
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Alcohol

Caution

The interaction of alcohol with Melrio Cream is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Melrio Cream.

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Pregnancy

Caution

The safety of Melrio Cream in pregnant women is unknown and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

It is unknown whether Melrio Cream is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Melrio Cream while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Melrio Cream usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

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Liver

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Melrio Cream in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Melrio Cream in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Melrio Cream is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Limited information available for use of Melrio Cream in heart patients. Please consult your doctor.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Limited information available for use of Melrio Cream in elderly patients. Please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Melrio Cream

An overdose of this topical cream is unlikely to cause serious medical issues. However, applying too much or using it too frequently can cause severe skin irritation, redness, or peeling. If someone accidentally swallows the cream, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre right away.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Apply high-SPF sunscreen daily: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days or when indoors near windows.
  • Wear protective clothing: Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to shield your face from direct sunlight when outdoors.
  • Avoid harsh skin products: Stay away from abrasive scrubs, astringents, alcohol-based toners, or waxing on the treated areas, as these can trigger inflammation and worsen pigmentation.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support a healthy skin barrier.
     

Health Queries

I have three black spots on my face and was using Melrio cream, but now the skin is becoming red and irritated. Can I apply Betnovate-N cream to treat this, or what other medicine should I use?

Veda Maddala

Veda Maddala

M Pharmacy

Please stop using Melrio cream immediately, as the redness and irritation indicate skin sensitivity or a mild chemical burn. Do not apply Betnovate-N cream to your face; it contains a strong steroid and antibiotic which can cause skin thinning, steroid acne, and worsen the irritation when used inappropriately. Instead, allow your skin to heal by using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a soothing moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day to protect the healing skin. Please consult a dermatologist for a proper assessment and a safer treatment plan for your dark spots.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

  • The time required for Melrio Cream to start to work: The time required for Melrio Cream to show its action is unknown.
  • The time for which the effects of Melrio Cream last: The duration of action for Melrio Cream is unknown.

What if you forget to take Melrio Cream

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular routine. Do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

•Store Melrio Cream at room temperature, ideally below 25°C (77°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Do a patch test first: Before your first full application, apply a tiny amount to a small, unbroken patch of skin to check for severe allergic reactions.
  • Check the cream colour: Inspect the cream before use; if it has turned dark brown or changed consistency significantly, do not use it and consult your pharmacist.
  • Keep away from sensitive areas: Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on open wounds, as it can cause severe irritation.
  • Avoid cosmetic procedures: Do not undergo chemical peels, laser treatments, or skin waxing on the treated areas while using this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
  • Avoid artificial UV light: Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps during your treatment course.
     

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.

  • Other topical corticosteroids: Using additional steroid creams with this medicine may increase the risk of skin thinning and other steroid-related side effects. Use only if specifically advised by your doctor.
  • Other retinoid products: Combining this cream with other retinoid-containing products may increase dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation.
  • Peeling agents (such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or resorcinol): These may increase skin sensitivity and irritation when used together.
  • Skin-lightening products: Using multiple pigmentation treatments at the same time may increase irritation unless recommended by your doctor.


Drug-Food Interactions:

  • There are no known major food interactions with this topical medication.


Drug-Disease Interactions:

Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Melrio Cream, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.

  • Active skin infections: Applying this cream on infected skin can delay healing or worsen the infection.
  • Eczema or Rosacea: People with these inflammatory skin conditions may experience severe irritation and flares.
     
No Drug - Drug interactions found in our data. We may lack specific data on this medicine and are actively working to update our database. Consult your doctor for personalized advice

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

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Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[MISCELLANEOUS TOPICAL]

FAQs

Melrio Cream is used to treat melasma (dark brown patches on skin).
Melrio Cream contains Hydroquinone, Mometasone and Tretinoin. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Mometasone is a corticosteroid that acts inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching and swelling. Tretinoin belongs to the class of retinoids (synthetic vitamin A) and works by increasing the renewal of skin cells, which helps with the natural exfoliation of the skin's outer layers.
Yes, Melrio Cream may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight in the treated areas. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors to prevent sunburn.
Yes, Melrio Cream may cause skin irritation, burning sensation or itching at the site of application in rare cases. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, discontinue use of Melrio Cream and consult a physician.
You are advised to use a moisturiser in the morning every day to restore the skin's barrier function, which protects it from damage. Melrio Cream may make the skin more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind. Therefore, wear protective clothing and use moisturiser as required. However, please consult a doctor before using moisturising lotions or any other products with Melrio Cream.
No, Melrio Cream is not used to treat diaper rash. Using Melrio Cream under the child’s nappy enables it to pass through the skin easily and cause adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before using Melrio Cream in children.
It is not recommended to use Melrio Cream with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products, as it may cause skin staining, which is usually removable with soap and water. However, please consult a doctor before using other medicines with Melrio Cream.
Use Melrio Cream for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, avoid using Melrio Cream for more than 6 to 8 weeks without a doctor’s advice.
Hormonal contraceptives like oral/vaginal birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings can cause melasma to get worse. So, it is advisable to ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) instead.
Use Melrio Cream as directed by the physician. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply Melrio Cream onto the affected areas of the skin.
Avoid contact of Melrio Cream with nose, mouth, eyes, ears or vagina. In case Melrio Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Do not use it on ulcerated skin or wounds.
Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.
Melasma may be caused by sun exposure, hormone therapy, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid, or even stress.
No, Melrio Cream should not be used for acne and pimples, as it is used to treat melasma.
Yes, Melrio Cream is good for the face to treat melasma.
Store Melrio Cream at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
No, using more than the prescribed dose of Melrio Cream will not be more effective. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it does not yield faster or better results and increases the risk of side effects.
Consult your doctor before using any other skincare products with Melrio Cream. Inform the doctor if you are using photosensitising agents, topical antibiotics, retinoids, vitiligo medications, antiseptics, or keratolytic agents.
The possible side effects of Melrio Cream are acne, redness, irritation, burning, itching, or a stinging sensation of the skin. Most of these side effects of Melrio Cream do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
It is highly recommended to apply Melrio Cream only at night. Some of the active ingredients make your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, which can increase the risk of sunburn and make your dark spots worse. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
Some people may notice early improvement after 4 to 8 weeks of regular use. However, the full benefit of this combination treatment for conditions such as melasma is usually seen after around 8 to 12 weeks. Do not continue using this cream longer than prescribed by your doctor, as prolonged use may increase the risk of side effects.
Mild peeling, redness, and dryness are common when you first start using Melrio Cream. If the peeling is mild, you can apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser during the day. If the peeling is severe, painful, or accompanied by swelling, stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.
Yes, you can use makeup, but you should wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after applying Melrio Cream to let the cream absorb fully into your skin. Choose non-comedogenic and gentle cosmetics to avoid irritating your skin further. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for product recommendations.
No. Melrio Cream should generally not be used during pregnancy unless specifically advised by your doctor. Tretinoin is a retinoid, and hydroquinone and other ingredients may also require caution during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Melrio Cream is primarily prescribed for melasma and dark pigmentation patches. While it can help fade the dark marks left behind after acne heals, it should not be applied to active acne breakouts or open pimples.
If the cream in the tube changes colour to dark brown, it usually means the active ingredients have oxidised and lost their effectiveness. Stop using the cream and consult your pharmacist to get a replacement tube.
Yes, you can generally stop using Melrio Cream once your spots have faded or when your treatment course is complete. However, your hyperpigmentation can return if you do not protect your skin from the sun. Talk to your doctor about a long-term maintenance skin care routine to keep your skin even-toned.

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Reference

  1. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Hydroquinone Topical Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  2. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Mometasone Topical Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  3. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Tretinoin Topical Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  4. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Pil.78 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Cheshire, UK: Datapharm; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  5. Hydrocortisone [EMC SmPC]. 2018. [Accessed on 04 Apr. 2019]Check here
  6. Tretinoin [Prescribing Information]. 2014. [Accessed on 03 Apr. 2019]Check here
  7. Kiran V Godse. Triple combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone furoate with glycolic acid peels in melasma. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology. Pubmed Central. Jan 2009. [Accessed on 15th September 2022]Check here

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Ajanta House, Charkop, Kandivli West, Mumbai 400 067, India
Other Info - MEL0158

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