Imiquimod

Absorption

Well absorbed through skin (as a cream)

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and muscle pain.

Description

Aldara was launched in the US for the topical treatment of genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It can be prepared in a six step approach beginning with the nucleophilic substitution of 4-chloro-3-nitroquinolone with isobutylamine or via a thermal electrocyclic ring closure of 1 - and 2-azahexatriene systems. Aldara has antiviral and antitumor properties, with the former activity arising from the induction of cytokines, in particular, INF-α. Aldara also induces TNF-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, GM-CSF, G-CSF and MID-la formation 1-4 hr after stimuli. The exact cells responsible for the response have not been determined, however, it is not activating T lymphocytes, NK cells, B lymphocytes, or dendritic stem cells but monocytes (CD14⁺, CD36⁺, HLA-DR⁺, HLA-DQ^±, CD19^-, CD16^- and CD23^-) are partly responsible. The speculation is that Aldara may interact with a kinase modulating the transduction pathway leading to cytokine genes. There is no direct antiviral activity (induction of IFN does not follow true dose response) and it is not mutagenic. The hydroxylated metabolite also induces IFN-α.

The Uses of Imiquimod

Imiquimod is a caspase 3 activator which acts as an immunomodulator and displays antiviral and anti-tumor activity. It is a patient-applied cream used for the treatment of genital warts and basal cell carcinoma. It is also used to cure actinic keratosis on the face and scalp. It belongs to a group of drugs called immune response modifiers, which work by activating the immune system to fight abnormal skin growth.

Indications

For the topical treatment of clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses on the face or scalp in immunocompetent adults. Also indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts/condyloma acuminata in individuals 12 years old and above.

Background

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that acts as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist. Imiquimod is commonly used topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new warts may appear during treatment. Imiquimod does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly, however, it does help to relieve and control wart production. Miquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses and certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma.

What are the applications of Application

Imiquimod is a TLR7 activator and angiogenesis inhibitor

Pharmacokinetics

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that acts as a toll-like receptor 7 agonist. Imiquimod is commonly used topically to treat warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas. Imiquimod does not cure warts, and new warts may appear during treatment. Imiquimod does not fight the viruses that cause warts directly, however, it does help to relieve and control wart production. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratoses. Imiquimod can also be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma. Imiquimod is particularly useful on areas where surgery or other treatments may be difficult, complicated or otherwise undesirable, especially the face and lower legs.

Metabolism

Not Available