Gentian Violet Solution or crystal violet is an antiseptic dye that has got antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used over burns and wounds to prevent bacterial infections. It is also used to treat superficial fungal infections such as athletes foot.

Gentian Violet Solution Uses:

• Topical infection:

  • It is used in the treatment of abrasions, minor cuts, superficial injuries, and fungal infections of the skin.

Gentian Violet Solution Dose in Adults

Gentian Violet Solution Dose in the treatment of Topical infection:

• Topical: Apply to the affected area once or twice daily.

Gentian Violet Solution Dose in Childrens

Gentian Violet Dose in the treatment of Oral candidiasis: Limited data available: 

Note: It is not the preferred treatment. Use with caution in neonates and young infants who develop ulcers and/or burns of the oral mucosa.

• Infants:

  • Topical: Topical solution (0.5% or 1%):
    • Apply sparingly to the affected area over the lesions or under the tongue once or twice daily for 3 days or less.

• Children and Adolescents:

  • Topical: Topical solution (0.5% to 2%):
    • Apply to the affected area two times a day.

Gentian Violet Solution Dose in the treatment of Topical dermal infection:

• Infants, Children, and Adolescents:

  • Topical: Topical Solution (1% or 2%):
    • Apply to the affected area once or twice daily.

Gentian Violet Pregnancy Category: C

• Its use in pregnancy is not known.

Gentian violet use during breastfeeding:

• It is important to avoid breastfeeding because it can cause serious adverse local reactions in infants. You should consider safer alternatives.

Dose in Kidney disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dose in Liver disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Side effects of Gentian Violet Solution:

• Central Nervous System:

  • Localized Burning

• Dermatologic:

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis
  • Local Skin Necrosis
  • Skin Discoloration
  • Skin Vesicle

• Gastrointestinal:

  • Esophagitis
  • Gastrointestinal Irritation
  • Mucous Membrane Ulceration

• Genitourinary:

  • Hemorrhagic Cystitis

• Hypersensitivity:

  • Hypersensitivity Reaction

• Local:

  • Local Irritation
  • Tissue Necrosis At Injection Site

• Ophthalmic:

  • Keratoconjunctivitis

• Respiratory:

  • Epistaxis
  • Laryngitis
  • Tracheitis

Contraindications to Gentian violet Solution:

OTC labeling

• Self-medication should not be used on the eyes or on lesions.

Warnings and precautions

• Staining

  • It can stain clothes and skin.
  • Tattooing may be possible if you apply to ulcerated lesions.

Gentian violet: Drug Interaction

Monitoring Parameters:

Monitor for the response to therapy.

How to administer Gentian violet Solution?

Topical:

• The affected area should be cleaned before applying it.
• The solution is then applied directly to the wound or with a cotton applicator.
• The wound should not be covered with a bandage.
• Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

Mechanism of action of Gentian violet:

• It is topically used as an antiseptic. 
• When applied directly, it is effective in fighting yeast infections.
• It can also be used to treat and prevent topical infections due to gram-positive bacteria (including Staphylococcus species). 
• It is less effective against Gram-negative bacteria, and has no activity against acid fast bacteria.

International Brand Names:

• Gentian Violet

Gentian violet Brand Names in Pakistan: