gentian violet

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Antifungal: gentian violet exhibits antifungal properties and can be used to treat fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species. It works by binding to the fungal cell wall, disrupting its structure, and ultimately leading to cell death. 

Antiseptic: gentian violet possesses broad-spectrum antiseptic properties. It can be applied topically to wounds and cuts to prevent or treat bacterial infections. It damages bacterial cell walls and interferes with essential cellular processes, leading to cell death. 

Spectrum: gentian violet has a wide spectrum of activity against various microorganisms, including: 

Bacteria: It is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and many others. 

Fungi: gentian violet demonstrates effectiveness against different fungal species, particularly Candida species such as Candida albicans. It can be used to treat oral thrush (candidiasis) and other fungal infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Dermatologic: Allergic contact dermatitis skin necrosis 

local skin discoloration  

local pain  

Local: Local discomfort  

Gastrointestinal: Mucous membrane abnormality  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to gentian violet or its components should avoid its use. Allergic reactions may range from mild skin irritation to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. 

Open Wounds: gentian violet should not be applied to open wounds or mucous membranes as it may cause excessive irritation, delay wound healing, and increase the risk of infection. It is essential to ensure that the area of application is intact and not compromised. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of gentian violet during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not extensively documented. It is generally advised to refrain from using this medication during these stages unless the advantages outweigh the potential risks. It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare expert before considering its usage. 

Pre-existing Skin Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis should exercise caution when considering the use of gentian violet. It may exacerbate these conditions or cause further irritation and discomfort. 

Methemoglobinemia: gentian violet has been associated with a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the levels of methemoglobin in the blood, which reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Individuals with a history of methemoglobinemia or those who are at an increased risk should avoid using Gentian violet. 

Children: gentian violet is generally not recommended for use in infants and young children, especially those under the age of two. The safety and efficacy of gentian violet in this age group have not been well-established, and alternative treatments may be considered.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

gentian violet, also known as crystal violet or methyl violet 10B, is a synthetic dye with antimicrobial properties. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

gentian violet exerts its antimicrobial effects through several mechanisms, although the exact mode of action is not fully understood. It has both bactericidal (kills bacteria) and fungicidal (kills fungi) properties. gentian violet is believed to act by binding to and interfering with the integrity of the cell membranes of microorganisms. This disruption leads to cell death and the inhibition of further growth and replication.   

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

gentian violet is primarily administered topically, although it can also be given orally or intravenously in certain medical settings. When applied topically, gentian violet is poorly absorbed through the skin, with minimal systemic absorption. However, absorption may vary depending on the formulation and the site of application. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, gentian violet can distribute throughout the body via the bloodstream. It has a high affinity for tissues and tends to accumulate in areas with high vascularity, such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. gentian violet can also cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

gentian violet undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. It is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. However, there is limited information available on the specific metabolic pathways involved in the biotransformation of gentian violet. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The main route of elimination for gentian violet is renal excretion. The unchanged drug, as well as its metabolites, if any, are primarily eliminated via the kidneys and excreted in the urine. It is important to note that the exact elimination half-life of gentian violet is not well-documented, and further research is needed to fully characterize its excretion kinetics. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

• Clean the affected area 
• Open the gentian violet solution bottle carefully, ensuring that the solution does not spill. 
• Using a cotton ball or sterile gauze pad, apply a thin layer of gentian violet to the affected area. If necessary, you can also use a cotton swab for more precise application. 
• Be cautious to avoid staining surrounding clothing or surfaces, as gentian violet can leave a purple-colored mark. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: gentian violet 

Why do we use gentian violet?  

Antifungal and antibacterial agent: gentian violet possesses both antifungal and antibacterial characteristics and is frequently employed for the treatment of diverse fungal and bacterial infections. It can be administered externally on the skin or mucous membranes to address ailments such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and fungal skin infections. 

Wound care: gentian violet can be used as a topical antiseptic to clean and treat minor cuts, abrasions, and wounds. It helps prevent infection and promotes healing by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. 

Microbiological staining: In microbiology, gentian violet is used as a staining agent to visualize and differentiate microorganisms under the microscope. It is commonly used in Gram staining, a technique that helps classify bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups. 

Veterinary applications: gentian violet is used in veterinary medicine to treat various skin conditions and infections in animals. It can be used to treat wounds, ringworm, and other fungal infections in pets and livestock. 

Histology and cytology: gentian violet is utilized in histology and cytology laboratories for staining tissue and cellular samples. It helps in visualizing specific structures, cell types, and abnormalities for diagnostic purposes.