The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment, as well as the inhibition and prevention, of an infection of the human papillomavirus and the epithelial lesions, namely, the warts of the skin and mucosal surfaces, associated therewith. The compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, amodiaquine, or in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The methods comprise topically administering a therapeutically and/or antivirally effective amount of such a compound to a human being in need of such treatment, although in certain of the compounds may alternatively be administered subcutaneously or transdermally. The compositions may optionally also comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable non-active ingredients.
