Podophyllum Resin Solution: Use and Precautions

Therapeutic action

Antiviral, antimitotic, cytolytic agent active against human papillomaviruses (HPVs).

Indications

External genital warts, perianal warts and vaginal warts.

Forms and strengths

Podophyllum resin in alcohol or compound benzoin tincture, 10%, 15% and 25% solution for topical application.

Use

• Always apply a protective layer of vaseline or zinc oxide ointment on the surrounding skin prior to treatment.
• Apply podophyllum resin to warts.
• For external warts, leave on the warts for 1 to 4 hours then wash with soap and water.
• For vaginal warts, allow to dry before removing the speculum.

Duration

Apply once weekly if necessary, for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use to treat genital warts in children.
• Do not apply to healthy skin or mucous membranes, or to warts over 3 cm, or to cervical, urethral, anorectal or oral warts.
• May cause local reactions such as erythema, ulceration, and pain in the area where applied, and systemic adverse effects including gastrointestinal, haematological and neurological disorders in the event of prolonged or excessive application or when applied to bleeding lesions.
• Avoid contact with eyes. In case of eye contact flush immediately with plenty of water.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated.
• Breast-feeding: contraindicated.