Mouthwash
Mild
Database
Possible inactivation
Separate timing
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Drug reference
gentian violet
Topical antifungal / antiseptic dye (triphenylmethane)
START
0.5–2% topical 2–3 times daily for max 3 days
TYPICAL MAX
3-day course (carcinogenicity / ulceration concerns)
STOP IF
Mucosal ulceration, severe contact reaction
WATCH
Limit duration to 3 days; purple staining is expected
CDSCO approvedATC D01AE02
KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label
- ONSET
- 6min · local
- PEAK
- 1h · local peak
- t½
- 36s · topical
- DURATION
- 8h · per dose
EXCRETION
Local — minimal systemic
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Avoid extensive use; small localised use acceptable.
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Cationic triphenylmethane dye that binds bacterial and fungal cell walls, disrupting membrane integrity; broad activity against Candida (esp. neonatal oral thrush), Gram-positive bacteria.
Indications
Oral candidiasis (esp. neonatal/infant thrush)Cutaneous candidiasis / intertrigoAntiseptic for minor wounds / skin lesions
Dosing
- Adult
- Topical: apply 0.5–2% solution 2–3 times daily to affected area for 3 days (limit duration).
- Pediatric
- Oral thrush: apply 0.25–0.5% solution to oral mucosa 2–3 times daily for 3 days only.
- Renal adjustment
- No adjustment (topical).
- Hepatic adjustment
- No adjustment.
- Geriatric
- Standard topical use.
- Max dose
- Topical 2–3 times daily; LIMIT to 3 days due to carcinogenicity/ulceration concerns
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Local effect immediate
Peak effect
Local — sustained while in contact
Duration
Per application; 3-day course typical
Half-life
Not applicable (topical; minimal systemic absorption)
Bioavailability
Low systemic
Protein binding
Not applicable
Metabolism
Hepatic (if absorbed)
Excretion
Renal / biliary (metabolites)
Contraindications
- Application to ulcerated mucosa / open wounds (carcinogenicity signal)
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
Common
Purple staining of skin / mucosa / clothingMild local irritation
Serious
- Mucosal ulceration (with prolonged use)
- Possible carcinogenicity (animal data; restricted in some jurisdictions for oral use)
- Severe skin reactions
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Avoid extensive use; small localised use acceptable.
Lactation
Limited data; avoid on nipples for infant thrush therapy (case reports of ulceration).
Drug interactions
Other Dyes
Mild
Database
Possible irritation
Avoid layering
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Other Topical Antifungals
Mild
Database
Avoid duplicate
Use one agent
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Skin Emollients
Mild
Database
May reduce penetration
Apply dye first
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Sulfonamides
Mild
Database
Possible reduced antifungal effect
Avoid combination
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Related guidelines
Ask House about gentian violet
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-20 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-20