Cantharidin topical

Generic name: cantharidin topical [ kan-THAR-i-din ]
Brand name: Ycanth
Dosage form: topical liquid (0.7%)
Drug class: Topical keratolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 8, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cantharidin topical?

Cantharidin topical (for the skin) is used to treat molluscum contagiosum in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Cantharidin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cantharidin topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If cantharidin topical is swallowed or comes into contact with your mouth or eyes, cantharidin topical can cause life-threatening side effects such as kidney failure, paralysis, blood clots, severe damage to your stomach and intestine, or severe eye problems, including blindness.

Cantharidin topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain, swelling, redness, itching;

• scabs or breakdown of the skin;

• changes in skin color; or

• dry skin.

Common side effects of cantharidin topical may include:

• redness, itching, dryness, or scabbing at the place where the medicine was applied; or

• changes in skin color at the place where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

salicylic acid topical, silver nitrate topical, Wart Remover, Duofilm, Zelsuvmi, Compound W, Ycanth

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with cantharidin topical if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you:

• are using or have used other treatments for molluscum bumps; or

• have other skin problems.

It is not known if cantharidin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using cantharidin topical.

How is cantharidin topical given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

A healthcare provider will apply cantharidin topical as a single dose in a medical setting, but it may be necessary to apply this medicine every 3 weeks as needed.

Allow the medicine to dry completely (approximately 5 minutes) and do not touch the treated areas for 24 hours. You may temporarily see a violet color on the treated areas of your skin.

You may be instructed to take other medicines to help with the pain.

Remove this medicine with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage.

On the day of treatment, do not use topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen in the areas to be treated.

If this medicine gets in contact with any unintended surface, including healthy skin, immediately remove it by wiping with a cotton swab or gauze.

Seek medical help right away and rinse with water for 15 minutes if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Do not allow children to lick or bite the treated areas. This product contains an ingredient that may prevent young children from putting the medicine into the mouth and accidentally swallowing the product.

Cantharidin topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Molluscum Contagiosum:

One application over each lesion for 24 hours. Repeat every 3 weeks as needed.

Comments:
-Administration should be made with provided applicators.
-The applicator is for single treatment session only.

Use: For the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult patients.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Molluscum Contagiosum:

One application over each lesion for 24 hours. Repeat every 3 weeks as needed.

Comments:
-Administration should be made with provided applicators.

Use: For the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive cantharidin topical.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while receiving cantharidin topical?

Cantharidin topical is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke during and after treatment until the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.

Avoid letting treated skin areas come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital areas for 24 hours, unless the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.

Avoid using other medicines on the areas of the skin treated with cantharidin topical for 24 hours, unless the medicine is completely washed off of your skin.

What other drugs will affect cantharidin topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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