Cantharone (Cantharidin)

Cantharone (Cantharidin) Medication Information

Uses

Cantharone is used for the removal of benign epithelial growths such as common warts, molluscum contagiosum, and periungual warts. It is not approved for use in the US.

Dosage

The liquid is available with Cantharidin 0.7% strength in a film-forming vehicle in 7.5 mL packages.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Cantharone include:

• Tingling of skin
• Burning sensation
• Skin blister
• Skin depigmentation
• Lymphangitis
• Local pain

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

Dermatologic: Strong vesicant that may cause blistering of normal skin or mucous membranes; reactions may be more severe in patients with fair complexion and/or blue eyes. Do not apply to irritated or inflamed skin. Residual pigmentation has been reported (rarely) with use.

Appropriate personnel: Should be applied only by a physician; not recommended for dispensing to patient.

Appropriate use: For external use only. Not for use near the eyes, on mucous membranes, in anogenital, intertriginous or axilla areas. Avoid treating multiple lesions during the first visit to determine patient tolerability. Delay re-treatment if area is inflamed.

Interactions

There are no known drug interactions.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Pharmacist Tips

• For topical use only.
• Avoid touching normal skin, or eye.

Cantharone FAQs

How is this used?

Product should be applied to lesion and once dried covered with a non porous tape.

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

Use is not recommended during pregnancy

How does Cantharidin work?

It is a vesicant that is thought to cause wart exfoliation via its acantholytic actions.

What should I monitor for?

Monitor the treated areas for adequate healing, as well as pain and tolerability of treatment.

Can this be used to treat multiple lesions?

Avoid treating multiple lesions during the first visit to determine patient tolerability. Delay re-treatment if area is inflamed.

Can this be used in the US?

Cantharone is not approved in the US.

Reference:

Canthacur solution (cantharidin) [prescribing information]. St-Laurent, Quebec: Paladin Labs, Inc.

https://www-uptodate-com.libproxy.unm.edu/contents/cantharidin-united-states-not-available-drug-information?search=Cantharone&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~13&usage_type=panel&kp_tab=drug_general&display_rank=1#F15827758