Compound W
Compound W is a brand name for over-the-counter wart removal products. Its primary active ingredient is salicylic acid, a keratolytic agent that works by hydrating and peeling away the skin layers of the wart. Some variations use cryogenic freezing technology (dimethyl ether and propane) to freeze the wart.
Dosage by Body Weight
For liquid or gel formulations: Wash the affected area and soak the wart in warm water for 5 minutes, then dry thoroughly. Apply one drop at a time to sufficiently cover each wart, allowing it to dry. Repeat once or twice daily as needed for up to 12 weeks. For medicated pads: Apply pad directly over the wart, repeating every 48 hours as needed for up to 12 weeks. Avoid application on irritated skin, moles, birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Do not use on infants or children under 2 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Do not use on infants or children under 2 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not established for children under 2 years. Consult a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Apply sparingly to the wart
- Frequency
- 1 to 2 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be applied by an adult. Avoid surrounding healthy skin. Seek medical advice before use.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Apply sparingly to the wart
- Frequency
- 1 to 2 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be applied by an adult. Avoid surrounding healthy skin. Seek medical advice before use.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Do not use | Not applicable | Contraindicated. Do not use on infants or children under 2 years of age. |
| 5-7 kg | Do not use | Not applicable | Contraindicated. Do not use on infants or children under 2 years of age. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy not established for children under 2 years. Consult a pediatrician. |
| 11-15 kg | Apply sparingly to the wart | 1 to 2 times daily | Must be applied by an adult. Avoid surrounding healthy skin. Seek medical advice before use. |
| 16-20 kg | Apply sparingly to the wart | 1 to 2 times daily | Must be applied by an adult. Avoid surrounding healthy skin. Seek medical advice before use. |
Formulation
Purpose
Removal of common warts and plantar warts.
Generic Name
Salicylic acid (topical)Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.