Uses
Gentian violet is commonly used for treating fungal infections of the skin (e.g., ringworm, athlete’s foot). It also has weak antibacterial effects and may be used on minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection.
Your doctor may also prescribe this medication for fungal infections of the mouth (thrush).
How should I take gentian violet?
Before use, clean the affected area, rinse well, and pat dry. Make sure the area is dry before using this medication. Using a cotton swab to avoid staining your hands, apply gentian violet to the affected area, usually once or twice a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Apply only to the affected area, and avoid surrounding healthy skin.
Wash hands immediately after use unless the area being treated includes the hands. Avoid getting the product in your eyes. If the medication gets into your eyes, rinse the area immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if your eye becomes irritated.
Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages. Covering the area may increase the risk of skin irritation.
This product is for use on the outside of the body only. Do not apply inside the mouth, nose, or ears unless directed by your doctor. This medication is a dye and will stain skin and clothing. Do not apply on open sores (skin ulcers). This may cause permanent pigmentation or “tattooing” of the skin.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication for areas in the mouth, you/your child must be careful to avoid swallowing the medication. If you have any questions about proper use, ask your health care professional.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, continue to use it until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to return.
Inform your doctor if the condition does not improve in 3 days or if it worsens. If you think there may be a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
How do I store gentian violet?
Gentian violet is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store gentian violet in the bathroom or the freezer.
It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush gentian violet down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely dispose of this product.
Precautions & Warnings
Before using gentian violet, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of the active or inactive ingredients of gentian violet or other medications.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
- You have a certain metabolic disease (e.g. porphyria).
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn’t enough information about the safety of using gentian violet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking gentian violet.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur when using this drug, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation at the application site
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if you have new signs of a skin infection (heat, tenderness, pus) and skin sores.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
Gentian violet may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Does food or alcohol interact with gentian violet?
Gentian violet may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects.
Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with gentian violet?
Gentian violet may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
A health condition that may interact with this drug is ulcerative skin condition on the face. The use of gentian violet may cause permanent pigmentation or tattooing of the area.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before using gentian violet.
What is the dose of gentian violet for an adult?
The dose of gentian violet is individualized for each patient. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of gentian violet. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For treating cutaneous fungal infections:
Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day for three days.
What is the dose of gentian violet for a child?
For treating cutaneous fungal infections:
Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day for three days.
How is gentian violet available?
Gentian violet is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Gentian violet 1% solution
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of gentian violet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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