Molecule

Drug Groups

approved

Description

A dye that is a mixture of violet rosanilinis with antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections inside the mouth (thrush) and skin, also for the prevention of transmission of Chagas' disease (as a blood additive).

Pharmacology

Gentian violet is a mutagen, a mitotic poison, and a clastogen. Gentian violet has been used in medicine for almost 100 years: as an antiseptic for external use, as a topical antibiotic, as a topical antifungal agent, as an antihelminthic agent by oral administration, and more recently, as a blood additive to prevent transmission of Chagas' disease. It is thought to work by binding to the DNA of target organisms and causing disruption, mutation or inhibition of DNA replication.

Toxicity

LD₅₀=420 mg/kg (rat, oral). Oral administration can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and intravenous injection can cause depression in the white blood cell count.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Primarily hepatic, mostly demethylation

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