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.)

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300