Ycanth (cantharidin)
Topical Solution With Applicator (Ea)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Cantharidin is a topical antiviral agent.
Cantharidin is a vesicant. The exact mechanism of action of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum is unknown. Cantharidin causes degradation of desmosomes in the epidermis and blistering, which is thought to promote shedding of infected keratinocytes.
The pharmacodynamics of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum are unknown. There is minimal systemic exposure of cantharidin following topical application. The pharmacokinetics of cantharidin were evaluated in 16 subjects >=2 years of age with >=21 molluscum contagiosum lesions at baseline.
A single, dermal application of cantharidin solution was administered to each lesion in these patients. For subjects in the exposure treatment group, the average number of lesions was 47.4 (median: 35). Cantharidin was not detectable in 15 out of 16 subjects; 1 subject had adetectable cantharidin plasma level at the 2-hour post-dose assessment.
USES: This medication is used to treat a certain viral skin infection (molluscum contagiosum).
Generic name: cantharidin
Pronunciation: (kan-THAR-i-din)
Therapeutic class: Dermatological
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Ycanth
Indications
The following indications are listed for Ycanth:
- Molluscum Contagiosum Infection
Also known as: Condyloma Subcutaneum, Molluscipoxvirus Infection, Molluscum Contagiosum, Molluscum Verrucosum.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Cantharidin is available as a topical solution supplied in a sealed glass ampule contained within a single-use applicator and enclosed in a protective paperboard sleeve. Each ampule of cantharidin contains approximately 0.45 mL of 0.7% cantharidin solution; each mL contains 7 mg (0.7%) of cantharidin in a light violet to dark purple, slightly viscous liquid. Cantharidin is supplied with a break tool that is co-packaged as 2 units per each carton of applicators; individual break tools are available separately from the manufacturer.
Store cantharidin at 20-25oC (excursions permitted between 15-30oC); protect from light.
Cantharidin is for topical use only;it is not for oral, mucosal, or ophthalmic use. All healthcare professionals administering cantharidin should receive instruction and training prior to preparation and administration of the drug.
After cantharidin treatment, avoid contact (including oral contact) with the treatment area. Do not apply cantharidin near the eyes.
If cantharidin comes into contact with any unintended surface (including healthy skin), immediately remove the drug by wiping with a cotton swab or gauze.
Avoid use of other topical products on treated areas until 24 hours after cantharidin treatment or until washing.
Avoid fire, flame, or smoking near lesions during cantharidin treatment.
Use eye protection and nitrile or vinyl gloves during preparation and administration of cantharidin.
Apply cantharidin topically as a single application to cover each lesion; do not use >2 applicators during a single treatment session. Remove cantharidin with soap and water 24 hours after treatment. Do not cover any treated lesions with bandages. If severe blistering, severe pain, or other severe adverse reactions occur, remove cantharidin with soap and water prior to the recommended 24 hours after administration.
The cantharidin applicator is for a single treatment session only; do not reuse the applicator. Do not attempt to use a clogged applicator. Do not cut or modify the applicator in any manner, as this could reduce dispensing control. If any damage or leaks are observed on the applicators, discard them in a sharps container and handle them in accordance with accepted medical practice and appropriate law.
The manufacturer outlines the following steps on preparing the cantharidin applicator and administering cantharidin solution; consult the manufacturer's labeling for complete, detailed information on preparation and administration of cantharidin.
*Put on personal protective equipment (gloves and eye protection).
*Remove the cantharidin applicator from the outer protective tube; do not remove the applicator cap.
*Remove the paperboard sleeve so that the glass ampule is visible;do not remove the applicator cap prior to breaking the glass ampule.
*Inspect the applicator for damage (e.g., broken glass ampule, cut or cracked applicator tube).
*Break the ampule using the break tool; consult the labeling for specific instructions.
*Gently tap the capped end of the applicator on a horizontal surface for approximately 10 seconds or until the solution has collected at the bottom of the applicator tube.
*Test the cantharidin applicator to confirm that it is working properly.
*Apply the cantharidin solution by placing a small droplet onto a molluscum lesion, and use the applicator tip to spread the solution to cover the entire lesion. Repeat the application until all lesions have been treated.
*Allow the cantharidin solution to dry completely (up to 5 minutes) before contacting healthy skin.
*Dispose of the cantharidin applicator in a sharps container; do not reuse the applicator.
For maintenance of the break tool, wipe its surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol following each use. Inspect the break tool for damage (e.g., crack in plastic, missing or broken breaking posts) and function (e.g., hinge) prior to each use. After 12 uses or if any damage is observed, manage the break tool as solid waste and dispose ofit in the general trash or plastic recycling containers.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Ycanth 0.7% Solution | Maintenance | Apply a single application directly to each lesion by topical route every 3 weeks as needed. |
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No studies assessing the drug interaction potential of cantharidin have been performed. The manufacturer states that a drug interaction assessment is not necessary because of the limited systemic absorption of cantharidin and adosing regimen ofonce every 3 weeks.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
*None.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- No disease contraindications
Adverse reactions
The most common adverse effects (>=1%) ofcantharidin include the following local skin reactions at the applicationsite: vesiculation, pain, pruritus, scabbing, erythema, discoloration, dryness in the application site, edema, anderosion.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
More Frequent
- Application site skin reactions
Less Frequent
- Blistering skin
- Dry skin
- Dyschromia
- Pruritus of skin
- Superficial skin ulcer
Rare or Very Rare
- Contact dermatitis
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and effectiveness of cantharidin for the treatment of molluscum contagiosumhave been established in pediatric patients >=2 years of age. The use of cantharidin inthis population is supported by results from adequate and well-controlled clinical trials; however, the safety and efficacy of use of the drug for>12 weeks have not been established.
Safety and efficacy of cantharidin have not beenestablished in pediatric patients <2 years of age.
There are no available data on the use of cantharidin in pregnant women to assess adrug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetaloutcomes. No animal reproduction studies have been performed with cantharidin. Systemic exposure to cantharidin following topical administration is low; therefore, maternal use isnot expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.
No information is available on the presence of cantharidin in human milk, the effects of cantharidin on the breast-fed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Due to the low systemic absorption of cantharidin following topicaladministration, breast-feeding is not expected to result in exposure of thechild to the drug.
Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother's clinical need for cantharidin and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.
Avoid application of cantharidin to areas with increased risk for potentialingestion or ocular exposure to the breast-feeding child.
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric use.
Safety and efficacy of cantharidin have not been established in geriatric patients; cantharidin has not been studied in this population.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Molluscum contagiosum infection | ||
| B08.1 | ICD10CM | Molluscum contagiosum |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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