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.