In the U.S.—

Another commonly used name is Castellani Paint.

• Antifungal, topical
• Drying agent, topical

Carbol-fuchsin (kar-bol-FOOK-sin ) is used to treat postoperative phenol nail procedures. It may also be used as a first aid antiseptic drying agent in skin conditions where there is too much moisture. This medicine may also be used for other infections as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the use of topical carbol-fuchsin solution for your medical condition.

Topical carbol-fuchsin 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 carbol-fuchsin, the following should be considered:

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

Pregnancy—Studies in humans have not shown that carbol-fuchsin causes birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Carbol-fuchsin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—If you are treating an infant or child with eczema, do not use carbol-fuchsin more than once a day. Although there is no specific information comparing use of carbol-fuchsin in children treated for other conditions 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 or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of carbol-fuchsin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Carbol-fuchsin is a poison if swallowed. Use only on the affected areas as directed. Do not swallow this medicine. Do not use near the eyes or over large areas of the body. Do not use on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected areas with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

Using an applicator or swab, apply this medicine only to the affected areas. Do not bandage the area.

Dosing—

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

• For topical dosage form (solution):
  • For postoperative phenol nail procedures or as a first aid antiseptic drying agent:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one to three times a day. Do not use this medicine for more than one week unless your doctor tells you to do so.

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.

If your skin problem does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine will stain skin and clothing. Avoid getting it on your clothes. The stain will slowly wear off your skin.

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 may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:

• Mild, temporary stinging 

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