Action and Uses: Externally, rubefacient and vesicant. Internally, genito-urinary irritant, often producing serious nephritis. Its internal use is probably never justified.
*Ceratum Cantharidis (Cerat. Canthar.), Cantharides Cerate, U.S.P. (Blistering Cerate).—Cantharides (35%) with turpentine, glacial acetic acid, yellow wax, rosin and benzoinated lard.
Collodium Cantharidatum (Collod. Canth.), Cantharidal Collodion, U.S.P. (Blistering Collodion, Vesicating Collodion).—The glacial acetic acid acetone extract from cantharides (60%) in flexible collodion.
Emplastrum Cantharidis (Emp. Canthar.), Cantharides Plaster, U.S.P.—Cantharides cerate spread on rosin plaster. Each square centimeter of spread plaster contains 0.1 Gm. of cantharides cerate.
Uses: Convenient form for applying cantharides as a vesicant. Requires from six to eight hours to produce a blister. May produce poisoning by absorption through the skin.
*Tinctura Cantharidis (Tr. Canthar.), Tincture of Cantharides, U.S.P. (Cantharidis Tinctura P.I.).—Cantharides (10%) in alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 90 per cent.
*Capsicum (Capsic.), Capsicum, U.S.P. (Cayenne Pepper, African Chillies).—Fruit.
Action and Uses: Carminative and rubefacient; also stomachic, especially in alcoholic gastritis (as the tincture).
Emplastrum Capsici (Emp. Capsic.), Capsicum Plaster, U.S.P.—Oleoresin of capsicum spread on rubber plaster. Each 15 square cm. of spread plaster contains 0.25 Gm. of oleoresin of capsicum.
Oleoresina Capsici (Oleores. Capsic.), Oleoresin of Capsicum, U.S.P.—Highly irritant.