1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antiseptics
Podophyllotoxin 0.5%, solution or gel
Podophyllotoxin guidance for selected genital and perianal warts, with short treatment cycles and strict safety limits.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Antiviral, antimitotic, cytolytic agent active against human papillomaviruses (HPVs).
Indications
External genital warts, perianal warts and vaginal warts.
Forms and strengths
0.5% solution or gel, with applicator tips.
Dose
One application to warts 2 times daily.
- For vaginal warts, allow to dry before removing the speculum.
Duration
3 consecutive days per week, for a maximum of 4 weeks.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not use to treat genital warts in children.
- Do not apply to warts over 3 cm.
- Do not apply to cervical, urethral, anorectal or oral warts.
- Do not apply to healthy skin.
- May cause local reactions such as erythema, ulceration, and pain in the area where applied.
- Use a new applicator tip for each application.
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of eye contact flush immediately with plenty of water.
- Pregnancy: contraindicated.
- Breast-feeding: contraindicated.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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