Formulary
Imiquimod: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Imiquimod clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Imiquimod: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Imiquimod clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Actinic keratosis**
- **Adult** (To The Skin): Apply once daily for 2 weeks, to be applied at bedtime to lesion on face or balding scalp, repeat course after a 2-week treatment-free interval, assess response 8 weeks after second course; maximum 2 sachets per day.
**Warts (external genital and perianal) for Aldara**
- **Child (initiated under specialist supervision)** (To the lesion): Apply 3 times a week until lesions resolve (maximum 16 weeks), to be applied thinly at night.
Cautions
Autoimmune disease; avoid broken skin; avoid contact with eyes; avoid contact with lips; avoid contact with nostrils; avoid open wounds; immunosuppressed patients; not suitable for internal genital warts; uncircumcised males (risk of phimosis or stricture of foreskin)
Side effects
Common or very common Appetite decreased; arthralgia; asthenia; headaches; increased risk of infection; lymphadenopathy; myalgia; nausea; pain Uncommon Anorectal disorder; chills; conjunctival irritation; depression; diarrhoea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; dysuria; erectile dysfunction; eyelid oedema; face oedema; fever; flushing; gastrointestinal discomfort; genital pain; hyperhidrosis; inflammation; influenza like illness; insomnia; irritability; laryngeal pain; malaise; nasal congestion; painful sexual intercourse; paraesthesia; penis disorder; skin reactions; skin ulcer; tinnitus; uterovaginal prolapse; vomiting; vulvovaginal disorders Rare or very rare Autoimmune disorder exacerbated Frequency not known Alopecia; cutaneous lupus erythematosus; severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)
Interactions
**Other interactions (1):**
- Due to its immunostimulating properties, imiquimod cream should be used with caution in patients who are receiving immunosuppressive medication (see section 4.4).
Pregnancy
No evidence of teratogenicity or toxicity in animal studies; manufacturer advises caution.
Breast feeding
No information available.
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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