Spanish fly (redirected from Spanish flies)

Spanish fly.

See cantharis.

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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.

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Spanish fly

contains cantharides. Called also Cantharis vesicatoria (syn. Lytta vesicatoria).