Last update June 7, 2020

Imiquimod

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

This is a immune-response modifier, used in the local treatment of genital and perianal warts, cutaneous basal cell tumors and actinic keratosis.
Administered topically, once a day or every two days for several weeks, according to pathology.

Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

The cutaneous absorption to the patient's blood is extremely low: 0.6% with a Cmax of 0.32 to 1.6 ng/mL (EMA 2016, Wu 2012, Kulp 2010, Harrison 2004, FDA 2004), which makes it very unlikely that there is transfer in significant amounts to breastmilk.

It is used in the topical treatment of infantile hemangiomas from a month of life (Satterfield 2019, Craiglow 2013, Ho 2007).

As with any product applied to the skin, it is prudent to avoid its use in areas near the breast and nipple so that there is no risk of swallowing by the infant.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Imiquimod since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Imiquimod in other languages or writings:

Group

Imiquimod belongs to this group or family:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. derm: 0.6 %
Molecular weight 240 daltons
24 hours

References

  1. Satterfield KR, Chambers CB. Current treatment and management of infantile hemangiomas. Surv Ophthalmol. 2019 Sep - Oct;64(5):608-618. Abstract
  2. EMA. Imiquimod (Aldara). Ficha técnica. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA. Imiquimod (Aldara). Drug Summary. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Craiglow BG, Antaya RJ. Management of infantile hemangiomas : current and potential pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Paediatr Drugs. 2013 Apr;15(2):133-8. Abstract
  5. Wu J, Feldman R, Barry GT, Kulp J, Adams MP, Levy S. Pharmacokinetics of daily self-application of imiquimod 3.75% cream in adult patients with external anogenital warts. J Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Jun;52(6):828-36. Abstract
  6. Kulp J, Levy S, Fein MC, Adams M, Furst J, Meng TC. Pharmacokinetics of imiquimod 3.75% cream applied daily for 3 weeks to actinic keratoses on the face and/or balding scalp. Arch Dermatol Res. 2010 Sep;302(7):539-44. Abstract
  7. Ho NT, Lansang P, Pope E. Topical imiquimod in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas: a retrospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Jan;56(1):63-8. Abstract
  8. FDA. Imiquimod (Aldara). Drug Summary. 2004 Full text (in our servers)
  9. Harrison LI, Skinner SL, Marbury TC, Owens ML, Kurup S, McKane S, Greene RJ. Pharmacokinetics and safety of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of actinic keratoses of the face, scalp, or hands and arms. Arch Dermatol Res. 2004 Jun;296(1):6-11. Epub 2004 Apr 9. Abstract

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