Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara) for the treatment of actinic keratoses

Areas covered: This review covers basic and clinical experiences with imiquimod 3.75% for topical treatment of actinic keratosis of the face and balding scalp and its comparators with special focus on imiquimod 5%. It also covers pharmacology of imiquimod 3.5% and its contribution to the current treatment options of actinic keratoses. Expert opinion: Imiquimod 3.75% is an interesting, safe and well-tolerated treatment option for actinic keratoses of the face or balding scalp especially in respect of compliance, as it is indicated for daily use for a shorter time period (2 times, 2-week cycles) and approved for use on larger areas compared with imiquimod 5%. Data from current trials indicate lower efficacy compared with imiquimod 5% cream when applied three times a week for 16 weeks or for two 4-week cycles with a 4-week no-treatment interval, but indicate similar efficacy when compared with a twice-weekly schedule for 16 weeks. An additive effect was observed when combining cryosurgery followed by imiquimod 3.75%.