Gentian Violet

Category:

• Antifungal

  Description:

• Topical anti-infective

  Indications:

• Fungal infections of the mouth, vagina, or intertriginous areas

Contraindications:

•  Known sensitivity of gential violet

Precautions:

• External use only, avoid eyes.

• Will dye skin and clothing.

• Do not apply to ulcerative lesions.  This may result in the “tattooing” of the skin.

 Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Dosage:

Administered as topical solution

Adult

• 1% or 2% solution applied to affected area twice a day (optimal)

• Once a day (suboptimal but often effective).

Comment:

While usually effective in treating fungal infections, it is usually not considered first-line treatment:

• It often requires multiple applications
• It is very messy, staining everything coming into contact with it a violet-purple. (bed-clothes, underwear, toilet bowls, sinks, etc.)