New publications
Preparations
Diamond green
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Brilliant green is an antiseptic agent that is widely used in medical practice to disinfect skin and mucous membranes. It belongs to the class of organic dyes and has a bright green color.
Brilliant green has antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat and prevent skin infections, burns, wounds, cracks, as well as to treat injection sites and medical procedures.
It is also sometimes used to stain tissues for medical procedures such as cytological and histological examinations.
In addition to medical purposes, brilliant green can also be used in other fields, such as biology and microbiology as a stain for microscopic examinations.
However, it should be remembered that the use of brilliant green should be limited to medicinal purposes and should only be used as directed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Indications brilliant green
- Disinfection of wounds and burns: Brilliant green can be used to treat the surface of wounds and burns to prevent infection and stimulate healing.
- Treatment of purulent skin infections: It is used to treat purulent skin infections such as boils, abscesses and others.
- Post-operative wound care: Used to disinfect post-operative wound and injection sites to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Injection Site Treatment: Used to treat skin before injections to prevent infection.
- Tissue staining in medical procedures: Brilliant green can be used in surgery, cytology and histology to stain tissue and facilitate visualization of cells and structures under microscopic examination.
- Treatment of certain skin conditions: In some cases, brilliant green can be used in combination treatment of skin conditions such as eczema or fungal infections.
Release form
- Solution for external use: Brilliant green can be presented as a solution in water or alcohol. This solution can be used for treating wounds, burns, for antiseptic procedures, etc.
- Crystalline Powder: This is the pure form of brilliant green that can be dissolved in water or other solvents for various purposes.
Pharmacodynamics
- Antiseptic action: Brilliant green has antimicrobial properties and is able to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is often used to treat and prevent infections on the skin and mucous membranes.
- Antimicrobial action: Brilliant green can penetrate microorganisms and disrupt their cellular structures, resulting in their death.
- Antifungal action: It can be effective against fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Coloring action: Brilliant green has a bright green color and can be used as a colorant to visually mark treatment areas.
- Toxicity: High concentrations of brilliant green can be toxic to the body, so it should be used with caution and under the advice of a physician.
- Use in the treatment of wounds and burns: Brilliant green can be used to treat superficial wounds, burns, abrasions and other skin injuries.
- Medical Diagnostic Uses: Brilliant green is sometimes used in medical procedures for imaging and diagnosing various conditions, such as testing the permeability of lymphatic vessels.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: When applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes, brilliant green may be absorbed into the systemic circulation. However, absorption is usually negligible.
- Distribution: After absorption, brilliant green can be distributed into body tissues. It can accumulate in the liver and be excreted through bile.
- Metabolism: Brilliant green is not generally metabolized in the body.
- Excretion: Brilliant green is excreted primarily through the bile and then through the intestines. Small amounts may also be excreted in the urine.
- Half-life: The half-life of brilliant green can vary depending on the individual and dosage, but is typically several hours.
Dosing and administration
For the treatment of wounds and burns:
- Brilliant green is usually used as a solution for external use.
- The wounds are treated, washed or smeared with a solution of brilliant green.
- For this purpose, you can use a diluted solution or soak a gas bandage and apply it to the wound.
For the treatment of skin infections:
- Brilliant green can be applied to the skin to treat infections such as fungal infections or simple wounds.
- Typically, the solution is applied to the infected area using a cotton swab or applicator.
In laboratory studies:
- In microbiology and histology, brilliant green is used to stain tissues and cells.
- Dosage and route of administration depend on the specific staining protocol and sample type.
Use brilliant green during pregnancy
The use of brilliant green during pregnancy should be considered with caution. There is limited data on its safety in pregnant women, so it is recommended to use it only when absolutely necessary and recommended by a doctor. It is important to consider the following points:
Absorption and toxicity:
- Although brilliant green is used topically, there is a small risk of systemic absorption, especially if applied to large areas of skin or open wounds. In such cases, a potential risk to the developing fetus may be considered.
Alternative means:
- Less aggressive antiseptics such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine may be preferable for skin care during pregnancy if approved by your doctor.
Consultation with a doctor:
- Before using brilliant green or any other medication during pregnancy, it is important to consult with your doctor who can evaluate the potential risks and benefits of its use in your particular case.
Contraindications
- Individual intolerance or allergic reaction: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to brilliant green, which manifests itself in the form of itching, redness, rashes and even angioedema. Therefore, if you experience such reactions, you should stop using the product and consult a doctor.
- Broken Skin: It is not recommended to apply Brilliant Green to open wounds, cuts or severely damaged skin as it may cause irritation and aggravate the condition.
- Age: Brilliant Green may be less safe for use in infants or young children, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it in children.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: When using brilliant green during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider to evaluate the potential risks and benefits.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Brilliant green should not come into contact with eyes or mucous membranes as this may cause irritation and burns.
- Long-term use: Long-term and excessive use of Brilliant Green may cause dryness and irritation of the skin.
Side effects brilliant green
Allergic reactions:
- Some people may experience allergic reactions to brilliant green, which may include skin rashes, itching, hives, and even swelling.
Skin irritation:
- The use of brilliant green may cause local skin irritation, redness or burning, especially if the skin is sensitive or if the product is used in large quantities.
Skin spots:
- Brilliant green leaves a green stain on skin and fabrics that can be difficult to remove. While this is not a side effect in the traditional sense, it can be annoying.
Toxic reactions:
- When used on large areas of skin or on open wounds, there is a risk of systemic toxicity, especially in infants and young children who are at higher risk of absorption through the skin.
Photosensitivity:
- Brilliant green may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to photodermatitis when exposed to the sun.
Overdose
- Toxic Reactions: When consumed orally or in large doses, toxic reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to brilliant green, which may include itching, skin rash, swelling, or angioedema.
- Methemoglobinemia: Ingestion of large amounts of brilliant green may cause methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the level of methemoglobin in the blood increases, which can lead to headache, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmia, and fainting.
- Kidney and Liver Toxic Effects: Kidney and liver toxic effects may occur with prolonged or excessive exposure to brilliant green.
- Other systemic complications: Various other systemic complications may occur, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous system disorders.
Interactions with other drugs
- Cardiac medications: Brilliant green may interact with some medications used to treat heart disease. For example, it may interfere with the metabolism of nitrates and angioprotectors.
- Medicines to treat infections: In rare cases, brilliant green may interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, especially if it is used as an antiseptic along with antibiotics.
- Allergy medications: Interactions between brilliant green and allergy medications are usually minimal, but may occur in rare cases.
- Skin medications: Brilliant green may interact with skin medications, especially if it is used as a dye or antiseptic on the skin.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Diamond green" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.