Carbol-Fuchsin Topical Solution (Monograph)

Drug class: Fungi
ATC class: D01AE
VA class: DE102
CAS number: 8052-17-3

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 10, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Carbol-fuchsin topical solution, an aqueous-alcoholic-acetone solution containing phenol, resorcinol, and basic fuchsin, is an antifungal agent.

Uses for Carbol-Fuchsin Topical Solution

Carbol-fuchsin solution is applied topically in the treatment of superficial fungal infections of the skin, including tinea pedis and ringworm infections, but the drug should be used only during the subacute and chronic stages of dermatophytoses. Carbol-fuchsin solution is most effective in intertriginous infections and inflammations and when applied to small oozing eczematous areas. The solution is useful in the treatment of isolated intertriginous seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis in intertriginous areas, particularly if fissuring is present. Carbol-fuchsin solution is well tolerated by irritated skin.

Carbol-Fuchsin Topical Solution Dosage and Administration

Administration

Carbol-fuchsin solution is applied topically by means of an applicator or swab. The skin should be cleansed with soap and water and thoroughly dried prior to application.

Dosage

Carbol-fuchsin solution is usually applied once or twice daily; however, application of the drug 3 times daily may be necessary in chronic or stubborn infections. The solution should be applied no more often than once daily in infantile eczema. In dry, scaling dermatophytoses, application of carbol-fuchsin topical solution may be alternated with ointments containing other antifungal agents or keratolytics.

Cautions for Carbol-Fuchsin Topical Solution

Carbol-fuchsin topical solution is poisonous when ingested. Treatment of carbol-fuchsin ingestion is the same as for phenol and resorcinol poisoning and consists of gastric lavage with a vegetable oil, administration of a demulcent, and use of artificial respiration in the event of respiratory failure. Use of alcohol or mineral oil should be avoided.

Carbol-fuchsin topical solution should not be applied to eroded skin or over extensive areas. Contact sensitivity may occur; thus it is advisable to make a small, initial test application of a 1:2 or 1:3 dilution of the solution before applying the full-strength preparation to the entire affected area. Application of the solution should be continued for no longer than one week if improvement is not noted. Like other rosaniline dyes, basic fuchsin stains clothing, but stains may be removed by washing.

Pharmacology

Carbol-fuchsin solution possesses local anesthetic, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. The dye, basic fuchsin, has also been reported to stimulate granulation and epithelization.

Chemistry and Stability

Chemistry

Carbol-fuchsin topical solution is an aqueous-alcoholic-acetone solution containing phenol, resorcinol, and basic fuchsin. The topical solution contains 4.5 g, 10 g, and 300 mg of these ingredients, respectively, per 100 mL and 7–10% alcohol. Basic fuchsin is a dye composed of rosaniline and pararosaniline hydrochlorides. The solution occurs as a dark purple liquid but appears purplish red when spread in a thin film.

Stability

Carbol-fuchsin topical solution should be stored in a tight, light-resistant container at a temperature less than 40°C, preferably between 15–30°C; freezing should be avoided.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

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