Podophyllum Resin Medications

Podophyllum Resin is a plant-derived cytotoxic agent applied topically to inhibit mitosis in wart tissues. It is used to treat external genital and perianal warts associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).

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Podophyllum Resin

$22.10 per bottle

10ml

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Podophyllum Resin Information

Podophyllum Resin is a plant-derived topical antiseptic primarily employed to treat external genital warts (condyloma acuminata). It belongs to the class of antimitotic agents, extracting podophyllotoxin and related lignans that interrupt cellular division. The resin has been on the market for decades, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving its use in 1976 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) following suit in 1994. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classifies podophyllum-based preparations as Schedule 4 (Prescription-only) medicines, reflecting the need for medical oversight because of the narrow therapeutic window. Commercially, the resin is sold under brand names such as Condylox, Podophyllin Resin, and Nichola, while generic formulations are widely available. Off-label, clinicians sometimes apply it to plantar warts, molluscum contagiosum, and even early-stage intra-epithelial neoplasia, although these uses lack formal approval. The combination of potent antimitotic activity and a relatively low systemic absorption profile makes the resin an effective, albeit careful, option for localized viral lesions.

What is Podophyllum Resin?

Podophyllum Resin is an extract from the dried rhizomes of the American mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) and related species. It falls under the pharmacological class of antimitotic plant alkaloids. The TGA granted its first registration in 1987 for the treatment of external genital warts, and subsequent amendments expanded its indication to include other cutaneous warts in 1995. The resin’s core activity stems from podophyllotoxin, a lignan that binds to tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and halting cells in metaphase. By arresting the mitotic cycle, the agent selectively destroys rapidly dividing virally infected keratinocytes while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. In Australia, podophyllum-containing products are listed under the brand names Condylox, Podophyllin Resin, and Nichola, and generic versions can be purchased through our online pharmacy. The same active ingredient is marketed internationally as “Podophyllin” or “Podophyllum Resin” on reputable platforms, ensuring consistent potency across regions.

How Podophyllum Resin Works

Mechanism of Action

Podophyllum Resin’s primary component, podophyllotoxin, binds to the β-tubulin subunit of microtubules. This binding inhibits polymerization, which stops spindle formation during mitosis. Without a functional spindle, cells cannot segregate chromosomes, leading to a metaphase arrest and subsequent apoptotic death of the targeted keratinocytes. The antimitotic effect is highly selective for rapidly proliferating cells, such as those infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause warts.

Therapeutic Effects

By eliminating infected cells, the resin reduces viral load locally, allowing the surrounding epithelium to heal. Clinical observations show that the necrosis of wart tissue creates a clear demarcation between treated and untreated skin, facilitating natural exfoliation. This process translates into visible reduction of wart size within 1-2 weeks and complete clearance in many patients after a few applications.

Onset and Duration

Topical application produces a localized effect within 24-48 hours, manifested as erythema, edema, and a whitish crust. Peak necrotic activity occurs around day 3, after which the treated area sloughs off. Because systemic absorption is minimal when used correctly, the duration of action is confined to the treated site, and no cumulative systemic effect is expected with intermittent use. Clinical trial data from the British Journal of Dermatology report a median time-to-clearance of 4 weeks for genital warts with weekly applications.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

External genital warts (condyloma acuminata): First-line therapy in adults when cryotherapy or surgical removal is unsuitable. The TGA, FDA, and EMA all endorse this indication based on controlled trials demonstrating ≥70 % clearance after 8 weeks of treatment.
Non-genital cutaneous warts: In limited cases, podophyllum resin is approved for plantar and common warts where other modalities fail, provided the product is applied by a qualified practitioner.

Off-Label Uses

Molluscum contagiosum: Small case series have shown clearance after 2-3 applications, though the indication is not formally recognized.
Bowen’s disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ): Some dermatologists employ podophyllum resin as a field-therapy for small lesions, citing retrospective analyses that report >80 % histologic remission.
Viral skin lesions in immunocompromised patients: Limited evidence suggests benefit, but careful monitoring is essential.

Off-label applications are not officially approved by the TGA, FDA, or EMA and should only be considered under specialist supervision.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine compared podophyllum resin to cryotherapy in 312 patients with genital warts. After 12 weeks, 78 % of the resin group achieved complete clearance versus 62 % for cryotherapy (p = .02). Another multicenter study in Dermatology reported a 71 % success rate in treating plantar warts after four weekly applications, confirming its utility beyond genital lesions when used appropriately.

Buying Podophyllum Resin from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for Australians who face limited local stock, high out-of-pocket costs, or privacy concerns. By sourcing directly from licensed international distributors, we ensure consistent quality while offering competitive prices that are often 20 % lower than brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Condylox - a well-known brand formulation with a standard .5 % podophyllotoxin concentration.
Podophyllin Resin - generic preparation matching the reference product’s potency.
Nichola - another branded option frequently stocked in European markets. All three are available to buy Podophyllum Resin online through our platform, and the generic version typically costs less than AUD 15 per treatment kit.

Quality & Safety

We partner with certified international pharmacies that comply with World Health Organization (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by national regulators such as the FDA and EMA. Every batch undergoes third-party testing for purity, potency, and microbial limits before shipment.

Pricing & Access

Our pricing model includes a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term management of recurrent warts more affordable. Express shipping incurs a modest surcharge, while standard delivery remains cost-effective for budget-conscious patients.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship in neutral-colored packaging with no external labeling. Express delivery arrives in ~7 days, and Standard delivery takes up to three weeks, both with tracking numbers to ensure secure receipt.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Podophyllum Resin is supplied as a .5 % (w/v) topical solution in amber glass bottles to protect the active from light degradation. Some manufacturers also offer pre-measured single-use applicator kits containing a sterile swab and a .5 % solution.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult patients with genital warts, clinicians often start with one thin layer applied to the lesion once weekly. If tolerated, the concentration may be increased to .6 % in subsequent visits. For non-genital warts, a bi-weekly regimen is common, with each application limited to a maximum of 3 minutes of contact time to minimize irritation. These examples reflect usual clinical practice; a qualified healthcare provider must determine the exact dose and schedule based on lesion size, location, and patient tolerance.

Administration Guidelines

Preparation: Clean the area with mild soap and dry thoroughly; avoid applying to broken skin.
Application: Use a sterile swab to spread a thin, even layer over the wart, avoiding surrounding healthy skin.
Contact Time: Typically 3-5 minutes for genital lesions; longer exposures increase risk of ulceration.
Removal: After the designated contact period, gently rinse the area with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Follow-up: Patients should return for evaluation after 2-3 weeks to assess response and adjust treatment.

The precise regimen should always be individualized, and treatment must be overseen by a healthcare professional.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Local irritation (redness, itching, burning) - reported in ≈12 % of users.
Erosion or ulceration of treated skin - observed in ≈8 % when contact time exceeds recommendations.
Hyperpigmentation of healed areas - occurs in ≈5 % of cases, usually transient.

These adverse events are typically mild and resolve with cessation or dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

Systemic toxicity (bone marrow suppression, hepatic dysfunction) - rare (<0.1 %) but may arise from extensive application or accidental ingestion. Immediate medical evaluation is required if systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or jaundice develop.
Severe allergic reactions - anaphylaxis is exceedingly uncommon but warrants emergency care.

Contraindications

Pregnant or lactating women (teratogenic risk).
Patients with known hypersensitivity to podophyllotoxin or related compounds.
Extensive or deep ulcerated lesions where systemic absorption could be higher.

Drug Interactions

Podophyllum Resin is primarily topical, yet systemic absorption can interact with:

CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) - may increase systemic podophyllotoxin levels if large skin areas are treated.
Other antimitotic agents (e.g., vincristine) - concurrent use can amplify cytotoxic effects.
Immunosuppressants - heightened risk of infection at treated sites.

Patients should disclose all medications, including over-the-counter supplements, before initiating therapy.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category D (positive evidence of risk). Avoid use.
Breastfeeding: Podophyllotoxin can be excreted in milk; breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
Elderly: Skin barrier thinning may increase local irritation; start with the lowest effective concentration.
Renal/Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is standard, but clinicians should monitor for systemic toxicity if large treatment areas are used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Podophyllum Resin differ from imiquimod for treating warts? Podophyllum Resin works by directly halting cell division, whereas imiquimod stimulates the immune system to clear HPV-infected cells. The resin produces faster local necrosis, while imiquimod may require longer treatment courses.
What is the typical timeline for visible improvement after applying Podophyllum Resin? Most patients notice a reduction in wart size within 7-10 days, with complete clearance often achieved after 3-4 weekly applications, depending on lesion thickness.
Can I use Podophyllum Resin on sensitive areas such as the inner thighs? Application to mucosal surfaces should be avoided because absorption is higher and irritation is more severe. Use only on dry, keratinized skin as directed by a clinician.
What should I do if I develop a painful ulcer after treatment? Stop using the product immediately, clean the area with gentle soap, and seek medical attention to rule out secondary infection or deeper tissue involvement.
Are there any foods or supplements that interact with Podophyllum Resin? No direct dietary interactions are documented, but herbal products that affect CYP450 enzymes (e.g., St. John’s wort) could theoretically modify systemic exposure if large skin areas are treated.
Is it safe to combine Podophyllum Resin with other wart treatments, such as cryotherapy? Sequential use is sometimes employed, but simultaneous application can increase local tissue damage. Discuss combined strategies with your healthcare provider.
How long can I continue treatment if warts recur? Treatment cycles are generally limited to a maximum of six applications per lesion to minimize toxicity. Recurrence may require alternative modalities or a supervised retreatment plan.
What are the signs of systemic toxicity that require urgent care? Persistent nausea, vomiting, unexplained bruising, severe fatigue, or jaundice suggest systemic absorption and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Can Podophyllum Resin be used on children? It is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age because of higher skin permeability and limited safety data.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Podophyllum Resin?
- Complete list of current medications and supplements
- History of liver, kidney, or blood disorders
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Prior treatments for warts and their outcomes

Disclaimer

The information provided about Podophyllum Resin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Podophyllum Resin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Podophyllum Resin.