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Overview

Imiquimod

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Imiquimod

Imiquimod is administered for the treatment and removal of unwanted skin growths, which may be malignant. It can remove genital warts, or other growths caused by skin carcinoma. If administered topically it has a half-life of 20 hours and if administered subcutaneously it has a half-life of 2 hours. It is an immune response modifier that works by acting as an agonist to certain receptor proteins which leads to apoptosis of diseased tissue.

Imiquimod is contraindicated in the case of problems like weak immune system, incompatibility complications caused by bone marrow transplants and diseases resulting from autoimmune response like multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease, lupus, etc. possible side effects of the drug are skin irritations, nausea, cold sores, rashes and blisters, discoloration of skin at point of application and allergic reactions like hives and rashes, etc. Additionally overdose of Imiquimod can cause fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, and diarrhea and muscle pain amongst other complications. It can also cause complications if it interacts with certain drugs, herbal supplements, etc. Hence, a qualified doctor should be consulted regarding the dosage of Imiquimod as the dosage and prescription of the medicine will depend a lot on the medical history of the patient, preexisting health conditions and drugs the person may be taking.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Imiquimod

    • Basal Cell Cancer

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Imiquimod ?

    • Application Site Itching

    • Pain

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Imiquimod

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No interaction found

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Nilwart cream may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no interaction between driving and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of Imiquimod, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Imiquimod

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Imiquimod as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Imiquimod is an indirect antiviral agent used to treat warts and certain types of skin cancer. It stimulates immune responses by inducing expression of cytokines, interferons, and interleukins, as well as increasing WBC infiltration into tumor lesions.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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