podophyllum resin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

podophyllum resin primarily functions as a cytotoxic agent, which means it may kill cells by preventing cell division. It does this by attaching to microtubules, cellular components necessary for healthy cell division. podophyllum resin can impede the creation of a spindle apparatus, which is important for appropriate cell division, by severing the microtubules. 

podophyllum resin is efficient against a variety of bacterial and viral illnesses due to its broad spectrum. It is typically employed to treat infections brought on by the genital wart-causing human papillomavirus (HPV). Moreover, it works well against specific bacterium types including staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

For systemic 

Paresthesia 

Pyrexia leukopenia 

Thrombocytopenia 

Urticaria 

Fever 

Paralytic ileus 

Coma 

Polyneuritis 

For local  

scarring of the anogenital area/ Severe necrosis 

Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia 

Paraphimosis 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

The possible danger of podophyllum resin, especially if consumed or used excessively, is discussed in the black box warning. The resin includes several poisonous substances, including podophyllotoxin and podophyllin, which can have fatal effects and induce severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. Also, the caution advises against using the medication while pregnant since it may result in birth abnormalities or miscarriage. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in podophyllum resin. 
• pregnancy since the medicine may result in miscarriage or birth abnormalities. 
• breastfeeding since it can affect the baby because it is secreted in breast milk 

Caution: 

• podophyllum resin should be used cautiously by patients who have liver or renal problems since it can be hazardous to these organs. 
• podophyllum resin should not be used by patients with a history of blood problems or bone marrow suppression since it may exacerbate these illnesses. 
• Immunocompromised people who have cancer or HIV may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of podophyllum resin. 
• podophyllum resin should be used cautiously in patients who have a history of gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, as it might result in gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: X 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

As a cytotoxic substance, podophyllum resin kills cells by preventing cell division, which is its main mode of action. It does this by attaching to microtubules, cellular components necessary for healthy cell division. podophyllum resin can impede the creation of a spindle apparatus, which is important for appropriate cell division, by severing the microtubules. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The cytotoxic effects of podophyllum resin, which are mediated by its capacity to stop cell division, are principally connected to the pharmacodynamics of this resin. This happens as a result of its affinity for microtubules, which are necessary for the mitotic spindle machinery to develop. 

Prior to cell division, the metaphase stage of mitosis, when the chromosomes align in the centre of the cell, is the stage for which podophyllum resin has a particular affinity. It can cause cell death by preventing correct chromosomal segregation by interfering with the establishment of the spindle machinery. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

podophyllum resin is weakly absorbed via the skin when administered topically, and there is little systemic absorption. The medication can, however, enter the body through mucous membranes like those in the mouth or vaginal region, which can have systemic effects. 

Distribution 

podophyllum resin has a strong affinity for proliferating cells, yet its distribution throughout the body is not fully understood. This is as a result of its cytotoxic agent method of action, which predominantly affects cells that divide quickly. 

Metabolism 

Although the liver is known to be involved in the metabolism of podophyllum resin, its metabolism is not fully understood. Many metabolites can be produced as a result of the extensive metabolism that can occur with the active components in the resin, such as podophyllotoxin. 

Elimination and excretion 

podophyllum resin and its metabolites are mostly excreted through the urine and feces. The drug’s half-life is quite brief, and its removal happens quickly. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

podophyllum resin is commonly applied topically to treat genital warts brought on by the human papillomavirus. It can be applied as a cream or a solution (HPV). 

Depending on the size and location of the warts, a different dose and frequency of administration may be advised. Treatment is typically given once per week, with a course of therapy allowing for a maximum of four applications. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: podophyllum resin 

Why do we use podophyllum resin? 

Most often, podophyllum resin is applied topically to treat genital warts brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The medication’s strong cytotoxic and antiviral qualities enable it to kill warts and stop the virus from replicating, respectively. 

In some traditional medical systems, podophyllum resin is also used to treat several other illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.