Gentian violet (Topical)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 7, 2022.
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antifungal
Uses for gentian violet
Gentian violet 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.
Before using gentian violet
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. 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 or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Although there is no specific information comparing use of gentian violet in children with use in other age groups, gentian violet is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Geriatric
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 gentian violet in the elderly with use in other age groups, gentian violet is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Interactions with 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 healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of gentian violet. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Ulcerative skin condition on the face—Use of gentian violet may cause tattooing of the area
Proper use of gentian violet
Using a cotton swab, apply enough gentian violet to cover only the affected area.
If you are applying gentian violet to affected areas in the mouth, avoid swallowing any of the medicine.
If you are using gentian violet 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 gentian violet. It may cause irritation of the skin.
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