The efficacy and safety of topical 5% methimazole vs 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma: A randomized controlled trial.

Methimazole could be an alternative treatment of melasma alone or in combination with other depigmenting drugs. Although not as effective as hydroquinone, the noncytotoxic and nonmutagenic aspects of methimazole may make it a promising alternative for the treatment of melasma.