References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Condyline is a prescription solution containing podophyllotoxin 0.5%, used to treat external genital warts at home. It works the same way as Warticon (which contains the same active ingredient) by destroying wart tissue directly. The main difference is the formulation: Condyline is a liquid solution applied with a loop applicator, while Warticon is available as both a solution and a cream.
If you’ve been prescribed Condyline or want to know how it compares to other genital wart treatments, here’s what you need to know.
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How to Use Condyline
Condyline follows the same treatment cycle as Warticon:
- Apply twice daily (morning and evening) for 3 consecutive days
- Rest for 4 days (no application)
- This is one treatment cycle (7 days)
- Repeat for up to 4 cycles (4 weeks maximum)
Application method
- Use the loop applicator provided to pick up a small amount of solution
- Dab it onto each individual wart
- Allow to dry before dressing
- Protect surrounding healthy skin with petroleum jelly if needed
- Wash hands thoroughly after application
- Do not apply to more than an area of 4cm² per session
How Effective Is Condyline?
Podophyllotoxin (the active ingredient in both Condyline and Warticon) clears genital warts in 45-80% of patients within the 4-week treatment period. Smaller, newer warts respond better than larger, established ones.
Recurrence after podophyllotoxin treatment is approximately 30-40%, as the treatment removes visible warts but doesn’t eliminate the underlying HPV virus.
Condyline vs Warticon vs Aldara
| Feature | Condyline (solution) | Warticon (cream/solution) | Aldara (imiquimod) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Podophyllotoxin 0.5% | Podophyllotoxin 0.5%/0.15% | Imiquimod 5% |
| How it works | Destroys wart cells directly | Destroys wart cells directly | Boosts immune response |
| Application | Twice daily, 3 on / 4 off, x4 cycles | Same as Condyline | 3x per week, up to 16 weeks |
| Treatment length | Up to 4 weeks | Up to 4 weeks | Up to 16 weeks |
| Recurrence | 30-40% | 30-40% | 10-20% |
| Best for | Few, small, well-defined warts | Same (cream version easier for some) | Larger areas, multiple warts |
Side Effects
Local reactions are expected:
- Burning, stinging, and soreness at the application site (common)
- Redness and inflammation around treated warts
- Skin erosion or peeling
- Itching
These reactions settle during the 4-day rest period. If reactions are severe, you can skip a treatment cycle and restart once skin heals.
Do not use Condyline on internal warts, open wounds, or moles. It is for external genital and perianal warts only.
Who Should Not Use Condyline?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women — podophyllotoxin may harm the baby
- Children
- People with open wounds or broken skin near the warts
Where to Get Condyline in the UK
- Sexual health clinics: Free prescription
- GP: After diagnosis
- Online prescription services: After consultation
Read more: Warticon | Aldara | Genital warts guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Condyline the same as Warticon?
They contain the same active ingredient (podophyllotoxin) and work identically. Condyline is a solution; Warticon is available as both a solution and a cream. Your doctor will recommend whichever formulation suits your situation best.
How long does Condyline take to work?
Warts typically start shrinking within the first 1-2 treatment cycles. Complete clearance may take the full 4 cycles (4 weeks). If warts haven’t improved after 4 cycles, your doctor will suggest an alternative treatment.
Can I buy Condyline over the counter?
No. Condyline is prescription-only in the UK. Over-the-counter wart treatments (like Bazuka) are for common warts on hands and feet and should NOT be used on genital warts.
Related reading
- Are Genital Warts Clearable?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Cervical Screening When You Have HIV
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
- How to Prevent HPV
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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