Cantharidin

Cantharidin (topical)

  • Pregnancy Category C

Formulations 

  • Dosage

    Available as 0.7% solution or as combination: cantharidin 1% podophyllin 5% and salicylic 30 (in-office treatment).

    Application with wooden end of cotton tip applicator (Q-tip), occluded for 4-24 hours; blister forms within 6-48 hours and heals in 1 week, q1-3 weeks until resolution

  • Vesiculating agent derived from blister beetle, interferes with mitochondria, leading to cell death and blistering (acantholysis due to protease release)

Off-Label:

  • verruca vulgaris,
  • molluscum contagiosum (no occlusion)

  • Pain from blisters
  • Formation of ring wart (donut wart) at periphery of resolving blister

* For further reading refer to a pharmacology source

* For further reading refer to a pharmacology source