cantharidin

cantharidin

 [kan-thar´ĭ-din]

the most active principle of cantharides, the dried Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria; preparations containing cantharidin are used topically as a vesicant to remove warts and lesions of molluscum contagiosum.

can·thar·i·din

(kan-thar'i-din),

The active principle of cantharis; the anhydride of cantharic acid.

Synonym(s): cantharis camphor

cantharidin

(kăn-thăr′ĭ-dĭn)

n.

A toxic compound, C₁₀H₁₂O₄, that is found in blister beetles and is the active ingredient of Spanish fly.

The active component of Chinese fly and Cantharis—Spanish fly; it is highly irritating and causes vesicle formation; it has been used to treat warts and other skin lesions