Genital warts
Treatment of genital warts
Podophyllotoxin as detailed below, or liquid nitrogen applied every 2-3 weeks.
Podophyllotoxin
Podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution
Applied every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days, repeated at weekly intervals if necessary for a total of 4-5 courses depending on product used.
Podophyllotoxin 0.15% cream
Applied every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days, repeated at weekly intervals if necessary for a total of 4-5 courses depending on product used.
Prescribing Notes:
- Podophyllotoxin is contra-indicated in pregnancy. For small numbers of discrete warts liquid nitrogen is an alternative to podophyllotoxin and could be administered every 2-3 weeks.
- With any genital symptoms always consider the possibility of sexually transmitted infection (STI). People with risk factors should be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. Refer the individual and partners to sexual health service. Risk factors: younger patient, a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the past year, lack of consistent condom use and a contact of a sexually transmitted infection.
History Notes
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.