Gentian Violet
Cheaper & Alternative Brands
Same generic (Gentian Violet), same form (Topical Solution)Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Topical antiseptic as first aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Dosage & Administration
Clean the affected area and apply a small amount of this product on the area 1 to 3 times daily. May be covered with a sterile bandage.
Contraindications
Do not apply to an ulcerative lesion as this may cause tattoing of the skin.
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or increases of if infection occurs.
Warnings & Precautions
Stop use if the condition persists or gets worse. Do not use longer than 1 week.
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
In aqueous solutions Gentian violet (GV) dissociates into positive (GV+)and negative ions (Cl-) that penetrate through the wall and membrane of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cells. The GV+ interacts with negatively charged components of bacterial cells including the lipopolysaccharide (on the cell wall), the peptidoglycan and DNA. A similar cell penetration and DNA binding process is thought to take place for fungal cells as well. Because Gentian violet is a mutagen and mitotic poison, cell growth is consequently inhibited. A photodynamic action of gentian violet, apparently mediated by a free-radical mechanism, has recently been described in bacteria and in the protozoan T. cruzi. Evidence also suggests that gentian violet dissipates the bacterial (and mitochondrial) membrane potential by inducing permeability. This is followed by respiratory inhibition. This anti-mitochondrial activity might explain gentian violet's efficacy towards both bacteria and yeast with relatively mild effects on mammalian cells.