Imiquimod (Zyclara) Uses

Imiquimod is used for treatment of actinic keratoses, which are flat, scaly, precancerous growths on the skin that occur as a result of too much sun exposure. It is also used for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma, which is a skin cancer. In addition, imiquimod is used to treat external genital and anal warts. 

There may be other uses of imiquimod—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Imiquimod (Zyclara) Mechanism of Action

Imiquimod treats warts in the genital and anal areas by boosting the immune system. It is not clear how this medicine treats actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma.

Imiquimod (Zyclara) Doses

Imiquimod cream comes in strengths of 2.5%, 3.75%, and 5%. Typical dosing is as follows:

Actinic Keratosis (adults only)

• Zyclara cream 2.5% and 3.75%: Apply 0.5 grams (2 pumps or 2 packets) to the affected area once daily for 2 weeks. Stop using the medication for a 2-week rest period and then repeat the treatment cycle.
• Aldara cream 5%: Apply one packet to the affected area. Do this two times a week for 16 weeks. Choose any two days of the week, for example, Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday).

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (adults only)

• Aldara cream 5%: Apply imiquimod cream to the affected area 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Choose any 5 days of the week, for example, weekdays. The amount of medicine to be used depends on the size of the skin cancer.

Genital or Anal Warts (adults and children 12 years and older)

• Zyclara cream 3.75%: Apply 0.25 grams (1 pump or 1 packet) to the wart once daily until the wart disappears. Do not use it for more than 8 weeks.
• Aldara 5%: Apply the medicine to the wart 3 times a week. Choose any three alternating days, for example, Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday or Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Use the imiquimod cream until the wart disappears. Do not use it for more than 16 weeks