Products
Acriflavine is commercially available in combination preparations in the form of active ingredient solutions and as a spray as a veterinary drug. It has been approved in many countries since 2003.
Structure and properties
Acriflavine is an acridine dye and exists as a reddish-brown crystalline powder. It is odorless, has an acidic taste, and is readily soluble in water. Acriflavinium chloride consists of a mixture of two acridine derivatives, namely 3,6-diamino-10-methyl-acridinium chloride (C14H14ClN3, Mr = 259.7 g/mol) and 3,6-diaminoacridine hydrochloride (C13H12ClN3, Mr = 245.7 g/mol).
Effects
Acriflavine (ATCvet QP53AX30, ATCvet QD01A, ATCvet QD11) is both a disinfectant and a dye. It is aseptic and has potent bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The bactericidal effect is dose dependent. Furthermore, acriflavine is also fungicidal. Acriflavine has broad activity against most ornamental fish diseases. It is applied externally and acts slowly. It is also needed for disinfection of aquarium water.
Mechanism of action
Acriflavine binds to the DNA of pathogens, inhibiting their protein synthesis. Resistance has been reported.
Indications
In ornamental fish for the treatment of bacterial infections, fungal infections of the skin, fungal infections, ectoparasite infestations, fin rot, scale dew, minor inflammations, wounds, skin and gill worms.
Dosage
According to the product information. Depending on the product, the drug is applied to the area to be treated or directly into the aquarium. Good water conditions should be ensured. During the treatment must be well aerated and filtered through non-absorbent filter media. At the end of the treatment it is recommended to filter through activated carbon for 24 hours and to change some of the water. Treatment over a longer period of time may possibly delay healing.
Contraindications
Acriflavine is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
No interactions have been reported to date. Acriflavine should still not be given with other medications.
Adverse effects
Irritation may occur as a possible adverse effect. Because acriflavine binds to DNA, it has mutagenic properties and is therefore also suspected of being carcinogenic. Acriflavine causes a strong and intense yellow coloration. The user should therefore wear appropriate protective equipment. It must be borne in mind that plastic parts in the aquarium could also be colored. Fine feathered plants, which are in the aquarium, could be damaged by the treatment. Acriflavine is harmful to the environment and should be disposed of accordingly. Reports exist that acriflavine possibly inhibits swim bladder inflation in juvenile fish at high doses and damages electroreceptors in certain fish species.
