PODOPHYLLUM RESIN (Podophyllin)
(pode-oh-fill'um)
Podo-ben, Podofin
PODOFILOX
Condylox
Classifications: skin and mucous membrane agent; keratolytic agent
Pregnancy Category: X

Availability

Podophyllum 25% liquid

Podofilox 0.5% gel, solution

Actions

Potent cytotoxic and keratolytic agent with caustic action, derived from rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum (mandrake, May apple). Directly affects epithelial cell metabolism, causing degeneration and arrest of mitosis.

Therapeutic Effects

Slow disruption of cells and tissue erosion as a result of its caustic action. Selectively affects embryonic and tumor cells more than adult cells.

Uses

Benign growths including external genital and perianal warts, papillomas, fibroids.

Contraindications

Birthmarks, moles, or warts with hair growth from them; cervical, urethral, oral warts; normal skin and mucous membranes peripheral to treated areas; pregnancy (category X), lactation; diabetes mellitus; patient with poor circulation; irritated, friable, or bleeding skin; application of drug over large area.

Route & Dosage

Condylomata Acuminata
Adult: Topical Use 10% solution and repeat 1–2 times/wk for up to 4 applications

Verruca Vulgaris (Common Wart)
Adult: Topical Apply 0.5% solution q12h for up to 4 wk

Multiple Superficial Epitheliomatosis, Keratoses
Adult: Topical Apply 0.5% solution or gel daily for several days

Administration

Note: Use 10–25% solution for areas <10 cm2 or 5% solution for areas of 10–20 cm2, anal, or genital warts; apply drug to dry surface, allowing area to dry between drops, wash off after 1–4 h.

Topical

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Severe systemic toxicity (sometimes fatal), sensorimotor neuropathy (reversible), symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, paresthesias and weakness of extremities, stocking-glove sensory loss, absent ankle reflexes, decreased response to painful stimuli. CNS: Lethargy, mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, agitation, seizures, progressive stupor, polyneuritis, pyrexia, coma, visual and auditory hallucinations, acute psychotic reaction, ataxia, hypotonia, areflexia, increased CSF protein, paralytic ileus. CV: Sinus tachycardia. Hematologic: Bone marrow suppression similar to that caused by antineoplastic drug toxicity, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia. GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hepatotoxicity, increased serum concentrations of LDH, AST, and alkaline phosphatase. Urogenital: Renal failure, urinary retention. Respiratory: Decreased respirations, apnea, hyperventilation.

Interactions

No clinically significant interactions established.

Pharmacokinetics

Not studied.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug