Acriflavine
Acriflavine is a topical antiseptic agent belonging to the acridine dye family, used primarily for its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and certain fungi. It is applied to minor wounds, skin infections, and mucous membranes to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. This medication is intended for external use only and should not be ingested or used in the eyes.
Acriflavine is a topical antiseptic used to prevent and treat minor skin infections and wounds.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AA03
- RxNorm
- 249
- Generic
- Acriflavine
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- Blu-Kote
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse minimal amount
avoid large scale or prolonged use on large skin areas
monitor for any skin reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse minimal amount
avoid application on large body surface areas
regular skin assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse minimal amount
avoid prolonged use or application near delivery site
monitor skin integrity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
avoid application on breast area before nursing
ensure no contact with infant mouth or eyes
pediatric_age
neonatesuse reduced concentration and limited area
avoid use on very young infants unless directed by veterinarian or physician
monitor for skin irritation or sensitization
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenuse under supervision
avoid ingestion, use only on intact skin for limited periods
monitor for allergic reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
use as directed for topical application
monitor skin integrity due to potential fragility
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
topical use has minimal systemic absorption
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
continue standard topical use
standard wound care monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
topical application does not significantly affect hepatic function
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
continue standard topical use
standard wound monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
First synthesized
Historical development information
Drug class
Drug class classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Common formulations
Available dosage forms
Used as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, and skin infections. Also employed for mucous membrane disinfection and historically used in veterinary medicine for similar purposes.
Acriflavine is a cationic acridine dye that exerts its antimicrobial effect by intercalating with microbial DNA and disrupting cell membrane integrity, leading to inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth.
For external use only. May temporarily stain skin and fabrics yellow-orange. Avoid contact with eyes. Not recommended for use on large areas of burned or extensively damaged skin. Consult a healthcare provider if infection worsens or does not improve within 7 days.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy