Imiquimod
Description
Imiquimod is a topical cream. It is used in the treatment of actinic keratoses, a condition where the skin gets thickened and rough due to damage from sun exposure. It is also used in the treatment of external genital or perianal warts (abnormal growths on the skin around the genital area and outside of the anus) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). Imiquimod works by stimulating the immune system and thus helps in treating various skin conditions.
Imiquimod may cause side effects like redness, burning sensation, irritation, or itching, at the site of application. These side effects are mild and may subside on their own. If they bother you for a longer time or worsen, consult your doctor for further assistance. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Imiquimod is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of this medicine. Do not use more than the prescribed amount. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, and broken skin. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine, unless the area to be treated are your hands. Use it regularly and do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Imiquimod may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor if you have other skin conditions and about your ongoing medications before starting the treatment with Imiquimod. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Imiquimod
- Skin Rash
- Itching of skin
- Redness of skin
- Blisters on the skin
- Soreness or tenderness of skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
Uses of Imiquimod
What is it prescribed for?
- Actinic Keratosis
- Condylomata Acuminata
- Basal cell carcinoma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Imiquimod to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Imiquimod remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Imiquimod.
- Usage in pregnancy?Imiquimod is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Hence consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Imiquimod should be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Avoid using Imiquimod if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Imiquimod is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Hence consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Imiquimod should be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Use in children
Imiquimod is not recommended for the treatment of external genital warts in children younger than 12 years and the treatment of actinic keratosis or superficial basal cell carcinoma in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data for use are not available.
Photosensitivity
Imiquimod may make your skin sensitive to sunlight or tanning lights. Hence use sunscreen and wear protective clothing before stepping out in the sun.
Local skin reactions
Imiquimod should be used with caution as it may cause local inflammatory reactions including skin weeping or erosion in rare cases.
Auto-immune diseases
Imiquimod should be used with extreme caution if you have any autoimmune conditions (when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake), as it may increase the risk of worsening your condition.
Other medicines
Inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including any herbs and supplements, as Imiquimod may interact with certain medicines and cause undesired effects.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of Imiquimod as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Consult your doctor in case of an overdose of Imiquimod.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Imiquimod is meant for external use only. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.
Apply a thin layer of Imiquimod to the affected area as instructed by the doctor. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Rinse immediately with water in case of accidental contact
Do not apply it in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that persist or worsen.
Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that the unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Imiquimod works by stimulating the immune system and thus helps in treating various skin conditions.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Immune response modifier
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 July 2022].
Ema.europa.eu. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 July 2022].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 July 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 29 Aug 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.