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(2). The active
agent is podophyllotoxin, whose concentration varies with the type of podophyllin
used; the American source normally containing one-fourth the amount of podophyllotoxin
as the Indian source(3).
NOTE: PODOCON-25® (podophyllin) IS TO BE APPLIED ONLY BY A PHYSICIAN. IT IS NOT TO
BE DISPENSED TO THE PATIENT.
REFERENCE
2) Green, L.K., Klima, M., Burns, T.; Arch Dermatol. Vol 124,
Nov 1988, p. 1718.
3) Martindale, 28th Ed. London, 1982, pp. 1366, 1367.
Last reviewed on RxList: 9/15/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.