Podophyllum Resin
Mechanism :
Podophyllin is a cytotoxic agent that has been used topically in the treatment of genital warts. It arrests mitosis in metaphase, an effect it shares with other cytotoxic agents such as the vinca alkaloids. The active agent is podophyllotoxin, whose concentration varies with the type of podophyllin used.
Indication :
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to podophyllin is a contraindication for its use. The consumption of alcoholic beverages for several hours after treatment, is to be avoided.
Dosing :
Topical 10-25% solution in compound
benzoin tincture. Use one drop at a time allowing drying between drops until area is covered total volume should be limited to <0.5 ml. Apply twice weekly. Leave on affected area for not more than 6 hours then wash off. Protect surrounding area with soft paraffin. Maximum: 4 weeks.
Adverse Effect :
Systemic effects from topical use of podophyllum resin includes urticaria, transient fever, paraesthesia, polyneuritis, paralytic ileus, pyrexia leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, coma, and death.
Local effects include severe necrosis and scarring of the anogenital area, paraphimosis requiring circumcision and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia.
Interaction :
Not yet reported.
Hepatic Dose :
No dose adjustment recommended.