Look Up > Drugs > Gentian Violet
Gentian Violet
Pronunciation
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Usual Dosage
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(JEN shun VYE oh let)

Generic Available

Yes


Synonyms
Crystal Violet; Methylrosaniline Chloride

Pharmacological Index

Antibacterial, Topical; Antifungal Agent, Topical


Use

Treatment of cutaneous or mucocutaneous infections caused by Candida albicans and other superficial skin infections


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to gentian violet; ulcerated areas; patients with porphyria


Warnings/Precautions

Infants should be turned face down after application to minimize amount of drug swallowed; may result in tattooing of the skin when applied to granulation tissue; solution is for external use only; avoid contact with eyes


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%: Esophagitis, burning, irritation, vesicle formation, sensitivity reactions, ulceration of mucous membranes, laryngitis, tracheitis, laryngeal obstruction


Overdosage/Toxicology

Signs and symptoms: Laryngeal obstruction


Drug Interactions

No data reported


Mechanism of Action

Topical antiseptic/germicide effective against some vegetative gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus sp, and some yeast; it is much less effective against gram-negative bacteria and is ineffective against acid-fast bacteria


Usual Dosage

Children and Adults: Topical: Apply 0.5% to 2% locally with cotton to lesion 2-3 times/day for 3 days, do not swallow and avoid contact with eyes

Adults: Intravaginal: Insert one tampon for 3-4 hours once or twice daily for 12 days


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Drug stains skin and clothing purple; do not apply to an ulcerative lesion; may result in "tattooing" of the skin; when used for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, coitus should be avoided; insert vaginal product high into vagina. Use condoms or refrain from sexual intercourse to avoid reinfection.


Dosage Forms

Solution, topical: 1% (30 mL); 2% (30 mL)

Tampons: 5 mg (12s)


Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved