gentian violet, hepatitis B vaccine, hydrocor tisone 503
gentian violet (Crystal Violet, methylrosanilinium chloride)
Gentian violet is a disinfectant used to help fight infections of the skin, mouth, and vagina.
In what forms does
this medicine come?
Liquid: 0.5%, 1%, 2%
Tincture: 0.5%
Crystals: 1 teaspoon in ½ liter
of water makes a 2% liquid.
How much and
when to take
For vaginal yeast infections:
Soak clean cotton with
1% liquid and place high in
the vagina overnight for
3 nights. Be sure to remove
the cotton every morning.
For yeast infections in the mouth (thrush): Rinse
the mouth with 1% liquid for 1 minute 2 times a
day, but do not swallow.
For skin infections: First wash with soap and water,
and dry. Then paint on skin, mouth, or vulva
3 times a day for 5 days.
For skin infections for people with AIDS: First wash
with soap and water, and dry. Then paint on skin,
mouth, or vulva 2 times a day until rash is gone.
Side
effects
Long-term use causes irritation. Use
on a sore or on broken skin may
stain that skin purple when it heals.
Warning
Do not have sex while you are using
gentian violet for a vaginal infection, to
avoid passing the infection to your partner.
Stop using gentian violet if it starts to
irritate you. Keep it away from eyes.
Information you
should know
After putting this in an infant’s
mouth, turn the baby face down
so it does not swallow too
much. Gentian violet will stain
your skin and clothes purple.
Other
medicines
that may
work
for skin infections:
antibiotic ointments, iodine
for thrush in the mouth:
lemon (not for babies), nystatin
for vaginal yeast infections:
nystatin, miconozole, clotrimazole
hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB)
This vaccine provides life-long immunity to Hepatitis B. It is given in 3 separate doses: the 2nd dose is given
1 to 2 months after the first dose; and the 3rd dose is given 4 to 12 months after the 2nd dose. Must be
stored at 2 to 3° C or it loses its strength. Doses for these 2 brands of the vaccine are different:
Engerix-B: children 0 to 11 years, 10 ucg; children 12 to 19 years and adults, 20 ucg
Recombivax HB: children 0 to 11 years old, 2.5 ucg; children 12 to 19 years, 5 ucg; adults 10 ucg
hydrocortisone or cortisol
(Eczacort, Hycotil, Solu-Cortef, others)
CAUTION
Hydrocortisone is an anti-swelling and anti-itch medicine used to treat rashes. It is also useful for treating
hemorrhoids (piles). In its injection form and as tablets it is an important drug for treating allergic shock.
In what forms
does this
medicine
come?
Cream or ointment: in many
strengths, often1%
Tablets: 5, 10, and 20 mg
Liquid for injection and
powder for mixing for
injection: various strengths
How much and
when to take
For rash, itching or piles:
Apply cream directly on skin
3 or 4 times a day.
For allergic shock: Inject 500 mg
into muscle, repeat in 4 hours
if needed (also give other drugs, see page 545). If signs
return later, take 500 to 1000 mg by mouth and
repeat once if needed.
Side
effects
Cream may cause thinning and
scarring of skin if used for more
than 10 days.
Warning
Signs of
taking
too much
Other
medicines
that may
work
Do not use cream with a
bandage covering it.
Pregnant and breastfeeding
women should use tablets
with caution, but can safely
use cream.
High blood pressure,
passing more urine
than usual.
for allergic shock:
dexamethasone, diphenhydramine
for allergies or itching:
diphenhydramine
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012