General Description
Brown to black powder or plates or scales. Formerly used as a counterirritant and vesicant. Used for the removal of warts. Used as an experimental anti tumor agent. Active ingredient in spanish fly, a reputed aphrodisiac.
Reactivity Profile
Organic anhydrides, such as CANTHARIDIN, are incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, and bases.
Hazard
Extremely toxic; questionable carcinogen;
powerful irritant to all cells and tissues; deadly poi-
son; respiratory failure; death.
Health Hazard
CANTHARIDIN is classified as super toxic. Probable oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg or a taste of less than 7 drops for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. It is very toxic by absorption through skin.
Potential Exposure
Formerly used as a counterirritant and
vesicant. Also used for the removal of benign epithelial
growths, e.g., warts. Used as an experimental antitumor
agent. The active ingredient in “Spanish fly,” a reputed
aphrodisia
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition CANTHARIDIN emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. For ingestion, induce vomiting with syrup of
ipecac
Shipping
Cantharidin is not specifically listed in the DOT
Performance-Oriented Packaging Standards with respect
to labeling requirements or restrictions on shipping
quantities.
Chemical Properties
Cantharidin is a brown to black powder.
Chemical Properties
white to light yellow crystal powde
Waste Disposal
It is inappropriate and possibly dangerous to the environment to dispose of expired or
waste drugs and pharmaceuticals by flushing them down
the toilet or discarding them to the trash. Household quantities of expired or waste pharmaceuticals may be mixed
with wet cat litter or coffee grounds, double-bagged in
plastic, discard in trash. Larger quantities shall carefully
take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA
regulations. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the
manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly
label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the
waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged,
and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor
to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste
landfill or incinerator.
Definition
ChEBI: A monoterpenoid with an epoxy-bridged cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride structure secreted by many species of blister beetle, and most notably by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Natural toxin inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A.
Indications
Cantharidin, from the beetle Cantharis vesicatoria, causes intraepidermal vesiculation
and is used in the treatment of warts and other benign cutaneous lesions.
Cantharidin is extremely toxic if taken internally; it should not be prescribed for
at-home use.
Cantharidin (Cantharone), a mitochondrial poison derived from the blister beetle Cantharis vesicatoria, leads to changes in cell membranes, epidermal cell dyshesion, acantholysis, and blister formation and is also useful. Cantharidin can be compounded with salicylic acid and podophyllin resin; occlusion for only 2 hours is needed with this combination. Thick hyperkeratotic lesions should be pared down before painting. The lesion should then be painted with cantharidin, allowed to dry, and covered with Blenderm or other nonporous occlusive tape; 40% salicylic acid plaster may be used to achieve greater activity. The tape is left on for 24 hours or until the area begins to hurt. A blister, often hemorrhagic, will form, break, crust, and fall off in 7 to 14 days; at this time, the lesion is pared down, and any wart remnants are retreated. Because the effect of cantharidin is entirely intraepidermal, no scarring ensues. Ring-like or "donut configuration" recurrences may be seen occasionally after treatment with cantharidin or, at times, following liquid nitrogen therapy. Owing to this agent’s toxicity, application by a physician is recommended. Verrusol, which contains 30% salicylic acid, 5% podophyllin, and 1% cantharidin, may be used in the same manner.
Biological Activity
Natural toxin inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (K i values are 1.1 and 0.19 μ M respectively); similar to okadaic acid (9,10-Deepithio-9,10-didehydroacanthifolicin ). Displays > 500-fold selectivity over PP2B.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area. A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored incompliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.
