The Basics
What is Gentian Violet?
Has antifungal and some antibacterial properties and traditionally used as a topical treatment for a variety of dermatological conditions.
Brand names for Gentian Violet
N/A
How Gentian Violet is classified
Anti-Infective Agents – Local
Gentian Violet During Pregnancy
Gentian Violet pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Gentian Violet while pregnant
N/A
Taking Gentian Violet While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gentian Violet?
Gentian violet (crystal violet) was used in the past to treat oral and nipple thrush during breastfeeding. Gentian violet is potentially toxic to the mucous membranes, causing ulceration,[1][2][3][4] and potentially tattooing the skin. It can also interact with DNA[5], is carcinogenic and mutagenic in rodents, and occasionally causes allergic sensitization, with cross reactions to other triphenylmethane dyes.[6] Its use has been severely curtailed by authorities in England and Australia.[7][8] It is also very messy, staining skin and clothing. A 2001 survey of the members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) found that gentian violet is rarely (1 to 2% of respondents) used by breastfeeding experts for initial treatment of oral thrush and is very infrequently (3 to 4% of respondents) used for recurrent or persistent thrush.[9] ABM guidelines for treating Candida infection of the nipples state that an aqueous solution of gentian violet of less than 0.5% can be used for no more than 7 days on the nipple.[10] However, safer alternatives for treating thrush are available.[11]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Gentian violet (crystal violet) was used in the past to treat oral and nipple thrush during breastfeeding. Gentian violet is potentially toxic to the mucous membranes, causing ulceration,[1][2][3][4] and potentially tattooing the skin. It can also interact with DNA[5], is carcinogenic and mutagenic in rodents, and occasionally causes allergic sensitization, with cross reactions to other triphenylmethane dyes.[6] Its use has been severely curtailed by authorities in England and Australia.[7][8] It is also very messy, staining skin and clothing. A 2001 survey of the members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) found that gentian violet is rarely (1 to 2% of respondents) used by breastfeeding experts for initial treatment of oral thrush and is very infrequently (3 to 4% of respondents) used for recurrent or persistent thrush.[9] ABM guidelines for treating Candida infection of the nipples state that an aqueous solution of gentian violet of less than 0.5% can be used for no more than 7 days on the nipple.[10] However, safer alternatives for treating thrush are available.[11]
Possible effects of Gentian Violet on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Gentian Violet
Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bjornberg A, Mobacken H. Necrotic skin reactions caused by 1 per cent gentian violet and brilliant green. Acta Derm Venereol. 1972;52:55-60. PMID: 4111108
2. Utter AR. Gentian violet treatment for thrush: can its use cause breastfeeding problems. J Hum Lact. 1990;6:178-80. Letter. PMID: 2271112
3. Utter AR. Gentian violet and thrush. J Hum Lact. 1992;8:6. Letter. PMID: 1558661
4. Baca D, Drexler C, Cullen E. Obstructive laryngotracheitis secondary to gentian violet exposure. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2001;40:233-5. PMID: 11336425
5. Rosenkranz HS, Carr HS. Possible hazard in use of gentian violet. Br Med J. 1971;3:702-3. Letter. PMID: 5569557
6. Bielicky T, Novak M. Contact-group sensitization to triphenylmethane dyes. Gentian violet, brilliant green, and malachite green. Arch Dermatol. 1969;100:540-3. PMID: 5350405
7. Phillips V. Is gentian violet safe? J Hum Lact. 1993;9:7-8. PMID: 8489730
8. Hoppe JE. Treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis and candidal diaper dermatitis in neonates and infants: review and reappraisal. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997;16:885-94. PMID: 9306485
9. Brent NB. Thrush in the breastfeeding dyad: results of a survey on diagnosis and treatment. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2001;40:503-6. PMID: 11583049
10. Berens P, Eglash A, Malloy M et al. ABM Clinical Protocol #26: Persistent pain with breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2016;11:46-53. PMID: 26881962
11. Stoukides C. Topical medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1993;9:185-6. PMID: 8260040
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
