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Podophyllotoxin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Podophyllotoxin - General Information

A lignan (lignans) found in podophyllin resin from the roots of podophyllum plants. It is a potent spindle poison, toxic if taken internally, and has been used as a cathartic. It is very irritating to skin and mucous membranes, has keratolytic actions, has been used to treat warts and keratoses, and may have antineoplastic properties, as do some of its congeners and derivatives. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin, also called podophyllotoxin, is a purer and more stable form of podophyllin in which only the biologically active portion of the compound is present. Podophyllotoxin is used to remove certain types of warts on the outside skin of the genital areas.

 

Podophyllotoxin for patients

The patient should be provided with a Patient Information leaflet when a Podofilox Topical Solution prescription is filled.

 

Podophyllotoxin Interactions

No information provided.

 

Podophyllotoxin Contraindications

Podofilox Topical Solution 0.5% is contraindicated for patients who develop hypersensitivity or intolerance to any component of the formulation.

 

Additional information about Podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin Indication: For treatment of external genital warts (Condyloma acuminatum). Mechanism Of Action: The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Podofilox Synonyms: Podophyllinic acid lactone Drug Category: Antimitotic agent; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Keratolytic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Podofilox: Podophyllotoxin 7; Podophyllotoxin; Absorption: Topical application of 0.05 mL of 0.5% podofilox solution to external genitalia did not result in detectable serum levels. Applications of 0.1 to 1.5 mL resulted in peak serum levels of 1 to 17 ng/mL one to two hours after application. Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: 1.0 to 4.5 hours. Dosage Forms of Podophyllotoxin: Liquid Topical Chemical IUPAC Name: 5,8,8a,9-Tetrahydro-9-hydroxy-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxylphenyl)furo [3',4':6,7] naphtho [2,3,d]-1,3-dioxol-6(5aH)-one Chemical Formula: C22H22O8 Podofilox on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podofilox Organisms Affected: Condyloma acuminatum