Imiquimod

Listed in Dosage.

Adult : Topical Anogenital warts; Perianal warts As 3.75% cream: Apply thinly onto affected area once daily until total clearance or for a Max duration of 8 weeks. As 5% cream: Apply 3 times weekly for up to 16 weeks. Superficial basal cell carcinoma As 5% cream: Apply 5 times weekly for 6 weeks. Actinic keratoses As 2.5% or 3.75% cream: Apply unto face or scalp once daily for 2 weeks, repeat course after a 2 weeks treatment-free interval. As 5% cream: Apply 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, repeat for further 4 weeks with a 4-week interval, if necessary; alternatively, apply 2 times weekly for 16 weeks.

Topical/Cutaneous
Anogenital warts, Perianal warts

Topical/Cutaneous
Actinic keratoses

Topical/Cutaneous
Superficial basal cell carcinoma

Patient with pre-existing autoimmune conditions, reduced haematologic reserve. Organ transplant patients. Not indicated for urethral, intravaginal, cervical, rectal, or intra-anal human papilloma viral disease. Pregnancy and lactation.

Significant: Local inflammatory reactions (e.g. skin weeping, erosion), photosensitivity, flu-like symptoms, vulvar swelling, hypersensitivity.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, diarrhoea.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Fatigue.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Myalgia, back pain.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Burning, itching, excoriation, crusting, flaking, oedema.

Topical: C

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, nostrils and broken skin. Avoid use of occlusive dressing. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, UV lights, and tanning beds.

Assess for reduction in lesion size. Monitor for local skin reactions and signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity.

Description: Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist that activates immune cells. The exact mechanism of action is not yet elucidated. It has no direct viral activity, however, it is effective against viral infection and acts as antitumour agent by induction of interferon-α (IFN-α) and other cytokines.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption. Time to peak plasma concentration: 9-12 hours.
Excretion: Via urine (<3% as unchanged drug and metabolites).

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Imiquimod, CID=57469, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Imiquimod (accessed on Jan. 21, 2020)

Store below 25°C.

Other Dermatologicals

D06BB10 - imiquimod ; Belongs to the class of topical antivirals used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

Aldara Cream (Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 03/04/2018.

Anon. Imiquimod. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com/. Accessed 03/04/2018.

Anon. Imiquimod. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 03/04/2018.

Buckingham R (ed). Imiquimod. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 03/04/2018.

Joint Formulary Committee. Imiquimod. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 03/04/2018.

Zyclara Cream (Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 03/04/2018.