Product Information
Registration Status: ActiveALDARA CREAM 5% is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 1998-09-17. It is marketed by INOVA PHARMACEUTICALS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN10105P.
This product contains Imiquimod 5% in the form of CREAM. It is approved for TOPICAL use.
This product is manufactured by 3M HEALTH CARE LTD in UNITED KINGDOM.
It is a Prescription Only Medicine that can only be obtained from a doctor or a dentist, or a pharmacist with a prescription from a Singapore-registered doctor or dentist.
Description
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.
Indication
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.
Mechanism of Action
Imiquimod's mechanism of action is via stimulation of innate and acquired immune responses, which ultimately leads to inflammatory cell infiltration within the field of drug application followed by apoptosis of diseased tissue. Imiquimod does not have direct antiviral activity. Studies of mice show that imiquimod may induce cytokines, including interferon-alpha (IFNA) as well as several IFNA genes (IFNA1, IFNA2, IFNA5, IFNA6, and IFNA8) as well as the IFNB gene. Imiquimod also induced the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha genes. In the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Imiquimod appears to act as a toll-like receptor-7 agonist, and is thought to exert its anti-tumor effect via modification of the immune response and stimulation of apoptosis in BCC cells. In treating basal cell carcinoma it may increase the infiltration of lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages into the tumor lesion.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Well absorbed through skin (as a cream)
- Distribution
- Metabolism
- Elimination
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and muscle pain.
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
1-Isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine | 4-Amino-1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline | Imiquimod | Imiquimodum | R 837 | Zartra | Imiquimod |
Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.