What is Imiquimod Topical used for?

Imiquimod Topical is indicated for: Bowen-like disease (multicentric SCC in situ), Cutaneous viral papillomatosis.

Which species have cited Imiquimod Topical dosing data?

Imiquimod Topical dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Imiquimod Topical a controlled substance?

Imiquimod Topical is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What are the side effects of Imiquimod Topical?

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Imiquimod Topical: Local irritation expected. Do not apply to large areas. Cats may develop systemic side effects. Prevent licking with e-collar.

Imiquimod Topical

US brand names:Aldara

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Oncology

Routes

TOPICAL

Indications

Bowen-like disease (multicentric SCC in situ)Cutaneous viral papillomatosis

Mechanism of Action

Toll-like receptor 7 agonist that stimulates innate and acquired immune responses via cytokine induction (IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-6).

Side effects & warnings

Local irritation expected. Do not apply to large areas. Cats may develop systemic side effects. Prevent licking with e-collar.

Species with Imiquimod Topical dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

· Gill VL, Bergman PJ, Baer KE, Craft D, Leung C. Use of imiquimod 5% cream (AldaraTM) in cats with multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ: 12 cases (2002-2005). Vet Comp Oncol. 2008;6(1):55-64. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5829.2007.00144.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1491 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1464, Imiquimod, Topical monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207
· Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1491 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1464, Imiquimod, Topical monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	TOPICAL	Monitor closely	q48h to q72h	Moderate	Gill VL, Bergman PJ, Baer KE, Craft D, Leung C. Use of imiquimod 5% cream (AldaraTM) in cats with multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ: 12 cases (2002-2005). Vet Comp Oncol. 2008;6(1):55-64. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5829.2007.00144.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1491 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1464, Imiquimod, Topical monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207
Dog (Domestic)	TOPICAL	See the cited source for the printed regimen	q48h to q72h

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