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Spanish fly |
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Spanish fly. See cantharis. Spanish fly, n a preparation made from the crushed, dried bodies of the Cantharis vesicatoria, the blister beetles. Claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, its effects are derived from the irritant effects upon the body's genitourinary tract. Toxic doses of the preparation lead to priapism in men and pelvic congestion with occasional uterine bleeding in women. Formerly used as a counterirritant, it is no longer used (except in homeopathic doses) because of its high toxicity. Also called cantharides. Spanish fly contains cantharides. Called also Cantharis vesicatoria (syn. Lytta vesicatoria). How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Hollenkemp, an 1852 case, the court let stand a punitive damages award against a local drug store where the store's agent had accidentally mixed cantharides in the plaintiff's medicine, making him ill. |
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