Podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin is used to treat genital warts caused by some types of the HPV virus.

Podophyllotoxin (Trade name: Condylox) is a topical gel used to treat external genital warts caused by some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It acts by preventing viral wart cells from dividing and multiplying. Eventually all the wart cells die and new healthy cells grow in their place. Podophyllotoxin is derived from the roots of the mayapple plant that grows in the wild in eastern North America.

Dosing

Wash the affected area before treatment. Apply the gel on the affected area using supplied cotton-tipped applicators. Apply twice daily for three days. Keep the gel away from healthy skin, as it can damage healthy skin cells. It may be helpful to apply a protective layer of vaseline or zinc ointment over the affected area to keep the gel from getting on other areas of the skin.

Side Effects

You can expect tenderness, redness, itching, slight pain and superficial ulceration of the outer layer of the skin by the second or third day of treatment, as the wart begins to scab. These effects can be minimized with the application of a topical corticosteroid. Side effects may also include burning or bleeding of treated skin, dizziness, headache, and vomiting. If these side effects become serious or persist, notify your doctor.

Notes of Precaution

Podophyllotoxin should not be used if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. It is not recommended that you breastfeed while using Podophyllotoxin.

Do not apply Podophyllotoxin to open wounds or bleeding sites.

Podophyllotoxin is flammable. Take caution not to use near fire or while smoking.