• Antifungal

Gentian violet ( JEN-shun VYE-oh-let) belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. Topical gentian violet is used to treat some types of fungus infections inside the mouth (thrush) and of the skin.

Gentian violet is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of gentian violet for your medical condition.

Gentian violet is available in the following dosage form:

Topical
• Solution (U.S.)

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For gentian violet, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to gentian violet. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Gentian violet topical solution has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Gentian violet topical solution has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

• Ulcerative skin condition on the face—Use of gentian violet may cause tattooing of the area

Using a cotton swab, apply enough gentian violet to cover only the affected area.

If you are applying this medicine to affected areas in the mouth, avoid swallowing any of the medicine.

If you are using this medicine in a child's mouth, make sure you understand exactly how to apply it so that it is not swallowed. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over this medicine. It may cause irritation of the skin.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your condition has improved. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing—

The dose of gentian violet will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of gentian violet. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical solution dosage form:
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day for three days.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Gentian violet will stain the skin and clothing. Avoid getting the medicine on your clothes.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs:

• Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine 

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.