Acriflavine, also known as euflavine, is an orange antiseptic dye used on the skin. It kills a range of bacteria and has been used for wound care for many decades, often combined with other antiseptics in solutions and ointments.

What Acriflavine Is Used For

Cleaning minor wounds, cuts and grazes
Superficial burns and infected skin
Mouth and throat antiseptic preparations
Dressings for weeping or ulcerated areas

Common Side Effects

Orange or yellow staining of skin and clothing
Local irritation or stinging
Contact allergy, uncommonly

Precautions

Keep it out of the eyes and do not use it inside deep or puncture wounds. Modern wound care favours cleaning with clean water or saline for most minor injuries, with antiseptics reserved for specific situations. See a doctor for a wound that is deep, dirty, from an animal bite, or one that becomes hot, swollen and increasingly painful.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.