Latin, Cantharis (Gen., Cantharidis)

Eng., Cantharides. Synonym, Spanish Flies. The dried beetles Cantharis vesicatoria.

Official Preparations.

Ceratum Cantharidis

Eng., Cantharides Cerate. Contains 35 per cent. of the drug.

Collodium Cantharidatum

Eng., Cantharidal Collodion. Represents 60 per cent. of the drug.

Emplastrum Cantharidis

Eng., Cantharides Plaster. Cantharides Cerate and Resin Plaster spread on fabric. Each square centimeter of spread plaster contains 0.1 Gm. of Cantharides Cerate.

Tinctura Cantharidis

Eng., Tincture of Cantharides. Represents 10 per cent. of the drug.

Average Dose

1 1/2 minims (0.1 mil).

Therapeutic Action

Rubefacient, vesicant, and also classed as a diuretic and aphrodisiac, though not used as such.

Uses

Sometimes used as a counter-irritant as in the treatment of neuralgia, sciatica, or related conditions. Used in hair preparations to stop loss of hair.

Administration

Cantharides is seldom prescribed. The Cerate or Collodion is sometimes ordered for external use to produce counter-irritation.

The tincture is employed with other agents in applications to the scalp. Internally it is almost unemployed.