Compound W Liquid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Compound W Liquid is a topical medicine containing salicylic acid, used on the skin to treat acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts, and to help prevent these conditions from returning. It is also used as a wart remover to treat common warts and plantar warts. The liquid works by gradually softening and breaking down thickened, hardened skin tissue. It is applied directly to the skin according to label directions or a doctor's instructions.

What is Compound W Liquid

Compound W Liquid contains the generic ingredient salicylic acid topical, and belongs to the drug classes topical acne agents and topical keratolytics. It is a topical medicine used on the skin for conditions such as acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts, and is also sold as a wart remover product used to remove common warts and plantar warts.

Compound W Liquid uses

• Treatment of acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea or psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts
• Helps prevent symptoms from coming back
• Removal of common warts (rough, cauliflower-like warts)
• Removal of plantar warts (warts on the bottom of the foot)

Benefits of Compound W Liquid

• Helps treat common warts and plantar warts
• With regular use, can gradually reduce the size and thickness of the wart
• Convenient for applying directly to small, localized warts
• Can be used at home as an over-the-counter wart treatment when used as directed

How Compound W Liquid works

Salicylic acid gradually softens and removes thickened wart tissue. It also helps break down layers of dead, hardened skin over the wart.

Compound W Liquid dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not switch brand forms without advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine by mouth; it is for use only on the skin. Ask your doctor before using it if the condition covers a large area of the body. Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat, since your skin may absorb more medicine and cause harm. Do not use it to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not touch the tip of the tube or place it directly on the skin, since a contaminated tube can infect your skin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Shake the foam form well before each use and turn the canister upside down to dispense it. For the wart remover gel, wash the affected area first; you may soak the wart in warm water for a few minutes, then dry the area thoroughly. Apply the gel drop by drop to cover each wart and let it dry. For the gel with shield, let the gel dry for about 5 minutes before covering the wart with the patch. Repeat the application once or twice a day as needed until the wart is gone, for up to 12 weeks. Wipe the tip of the tube with a paper towel between uses.

Available forms and strengths

• Liquid
• Gel
• Lotion
• Cream
• Ointment
• Foam
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Cloth pads

Side effects of Compound W Liquid

Common

• Mild skin irritation
• Stinging or burning at the application site
• Dryness or peeling
• Temporary skin discoloration
• Mild local redness or discomfort

Serious

• Severe or persistent skin irritation
• Significant swelling, hives, or intense itching
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or fainting

Warnings and precautions

• Compound W can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using it and get emergency help if you have hives, itching, wheezing or trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Using this medicine on a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
• This product is flammable. Keep it away from fire and flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
• Do not use on irritated, infected, or reddened skin, or on moles, birthmarks, hairy warts, genital warts, or warts on the face or mucous membranes. Do not use if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation.
• Avoid using this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth. Rinse with water if it gets in your eyes or mouth.
• For external use only.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it's safe to use this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease.
• No known interaction with drinking alcohol. However, the liquid contains alcohol and is flammable, so keep it away from fire and flames.
• Not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, according to the product label
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and direct sunlight
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent evaporation
• Keep away from flames, sparks, and ignition sources, as the liquid is flammable
• Do not expose to high temperatures and avoid storing in hot or humid areas
• Keep out of reach and sight of children

When to see a doctor

• Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, itching, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have severe burning, stinging, peeling, dryness, or irritation after using it.
• If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
• If someone swallows this medicine, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if discomfort persists.

Alternatives

• Compound W Gel
• Salatac Gel
• Cuplex Gel
• Duofilm
• Bazuka Gel