Ethacridine Lactate Monohydrate started making a difference in healthcare sometime in the early 20th century, first in Europe and later spreading through hospitals worldwide. Chemists working during those years faced the challenge of finding antiseptics that killed bacteria without causing major harm to human tissue. Acridine compounds caught their attention for this reason, and ethacridine in particular came to stand out. Older surgical texts mention yellow solutions in glass bottles, used for wound irrigation and the prevention of infections after injury. Much later, as penicillin and other antibiotics took center stage, ethacridine found new uses, especially in countries dealing with shortages in the 1940s and 1950s. My father, himself a practicing physician during the 1960s, described ethacridine as one of several reliable antiseptics lining the clinic shelves, often chosen for its wide antimicrobial coverage and low irritant potential. The innovations around ethacridine’s salt forms, specifically the lactate monohydrate, helped improve its solubility and application safety.
Ethacridine Lactate Monohydrate belongs to the acridine dye family and appears as a bright yellow or yellowish-green crystalline powder. As a pharmaceutical raw material, it features predominantly in topical antiseptics and some specialized gynecological and obstetric procedures in several countries. The ease with which it dissolves makes it handy for liquid preparations, and its stable chemical structure—when properly stored out of direct sunlight and sealed tight—means it remains robust during transport and on pharmacy shelves. Drug formularies list ethacridine solutions for wound cleaning and bladder irrigation, and laboratory supply companies keep it in their catalogs for broader microbiological and chemical uses.
A sample of ethacridine lactate monohydrate sits as a fine yellow-green powder, somewhat bitter tasting, giving off no definite odor. The chemical formula C18H21N3O4•C3H6O3•H2O reflects both the acridine base and the lactate carrier, along with a molecule of water. This monohydrate form comes from combining ethacridine with lactic acid. Its solubility in water makes it practical for doctors and nurses who require batch preparation of topical solutions. It shows characteristic absorption in the visible spectrum, which led to its occasional use in microbiological labs as a dye and marker. People handling this material quickly learn that ultraviolet light and strong acids degrade it, so controlled conditions in storage matter. Despite being a dye, it generally leaves little stain at typical medical concentrations, which helps avoid persistent marks on skin or instruments.
Pharmaceutical suppliers pack ethacridine lactate monohydrate in moisture-proof containers, using amber glass or high-density polymers to slow photosensitive breakdown. Product labeling details its chemical name, batch number, expiry date, and recommended storage temperature. Guidelines on reconstitution specify final concentrations, with wound irrigation solutions often prepared at 0.1–0.5%. Company safety data sheets describe expected purity, normally above 98%, along with maximum allowable contaminants such as heavy metals and microbial bioburden. Industrial suppliers offer bulk lots at kilogram scales, supporting both research and large healthcare installations. Every shipment of ethacridine undergoes identity checks using UV spectroscopy and other straightforward lab methods to guarantee authenticity.
Laboratory syntheses of ethacridine lactate monohydrate begin with acridine, which is reacted under controlled conditions to introduce the right functional groups. Reactions with nitroacridine yield the base compound; this base is neutralized using lactic acid, in carefully buffered aqueous solutions, to create the lactate salt. The resulting solution is left to evaporate slowly or cooled to encourage crystal growth, and finally dried under vacuum to preserve the monohydrate form. Scale-up in pharmaceutical plants uses similar chemistry, with automated controls for temperature and pH. Attention to minimizing solvent residues and controlling humidity remains crucial, because excess moisture leads to clumping and reduced shelf life.
Ethacridine’s core acridine ring system lends it stability, but its side groups allow for further modification. Chemists who study structure-activity relationships have built analogues by swapping out the methyl or ethoxy groups, testing for improved antimicrobial or dye characteristics. The lactate component itself comes from lactic acid—sourcing this from synthetic or fermentation processes—and no significant changes happen during storage under the right conditions. In lab experiments, researchers use ethacridine’s fluorescent properties to visualize chemical interactions, or attach it to polymers for tracing fluid flow. Under strong oxidants, the acridine ring breaks down, which matters for waste handling and environmental safety.
Ethacridine lactate monohydrate sometimes appears in older hospital formularies as Rivanol Lactate or simply “rivanol,” a name that traces back to early German branding. The International Nonproprietary Name (INN) lists “ethacridine lactate,” while variants like “ethacridini lactas monohydricus” crop up in European pharmacopoeias. Synonyms also include acrinol lactate, 2-ethoxy-6,9-diaminoacridine lactate monohydrate, and trade names used by specific manufacturers. This range of terms confuses students and trainees, but careful reading of packaging or pharmacopoeia monographs always points back to the acridine dye backbone that unites these names.
Regulators set strict standards for ethacridine lactate monohydrate in medical and chemical use. Handling this compound without gloves sometimes leads to mild skin staining or transient irritation, so protective gear stays on hand in labs and wards. Material safety data sheets warn against inhaling dust or letting solutions touch the eyes. Chronic overexposure to concentrated solutions could, in theory, harm mucous membranes, but most published reports note a low risk level at clinical concentrations. Hospital hygiene protocols direct users to dilute only in clean water and discard leftover solutions within a set time to avoid contamination—a lesson learned from earlier decades when open bottles sometimes invited bacterial growth. Waste from laboratory or hospital use falls under chemical disposal codes, handled via municipal incineration or controlled neutralization.
Most healthcare providers know ethacridine for wound irrigation, treating skin infections, and prepping areas ahead of some minor procedures. Some gynecological clinics rely on it in specific procedures, especially in parts of the world where other drugs remain unavailable or unapproved. Urology departments use it for bladder irrigation to reduce infection risks after surgery or catheterization. The substance also remains in demand among microbiologists who study bacterial resistance or screen for mutations, since its dye characteristics help track pathogen growth. Certain industries use ethacridine in dye chemistry, and some veterinary products also include it as a surface antiseptic or for wound management in large animals.
In recent years, research groups have revisited ethacridine with fresh interest, given growing concerns around antibiotic resistance and the urgency for affordable antiseptics. Several academic papers have tested new delivery systems—gels, sprays, even slow-release films—meant to improve bioavailability and reduce application frequency. Some chemists experiment with ethacridine derivatives for potential anti-cancer or antiviral properties, because acridine rings show promise as DNA-binding agents. This field overlaps with the development of other acridine-based drugs, where tweaks to the side groups lead to different pharmacological effects. The steady worldwide demand in hospital supply chains guarantees steady research funding, and public health planners often add ethacridine to their lists of essential medicines for disaster response.
Studies in both animals and humans show that ethacridine lactate monohydrate has a wide margin of safety when used as directed. Swallowing large amounts brings on digestive symptoms—nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea—but topical and irrigant applications rarely cause more than local mild reactions, even on prolonged exposure. Animal model research in rodents demonstrates low systemic absorption through healthy skin, explaining why it sometimes becomes the antiseptic of choice in sensitive patient groups. Negative interactions with other drugs remain rare, though ethanol-containing preparations ought to be avoided to minimize skin irritation. Historical records document some misuse in higher-risk procedures, but modern dosing and operational protocols keep toxicity risk acceptably low. Toxicologists keep an eye out for rare allergic responses, which may show up as localized rash or itching, but robust adverse event reporting in hospital surveys confirms these events stay uncommon.
Looking ahead, ethacridine lactate monohydrate stands to play a bigger role in both emerging medical systems and advanced research fields. Efforts to make low-cost, shelf-stable disinfectants support renewed manufacture and use in remote clinics and during outbreak response. Synthetic biology and polymer science researchers continue developing new delivery technologies—hydrogel bandages, nanoparticle suspensions, and portable wound care kits—all aiming to harness ethacridine’s stable chemistry and good safety profile. Environmental concerns push regulators and factories to improve waste handling and seek greener synthesis routes, reducing the impact on waterways and municipal waste streams. Given the unpredictable nature of infections and the swinging pendulum of antibiotic resistance, ethacridine remains, in my view, a workhorse molecule with deep utility and a solid reputation forged through decades of use and real-world testing.
Most folks never think about powerful antiseptics until they really need one. For years, ethacridine lactate monohydrate has quietly played a serious part in wound care and maternal health. Walk into any basic pharmacy in Europe or parts of Asia and you find this medicine among the classics for skin and wound cleansing. It shows up as a yellow, water-soluble powder or solution, standing out from the familiar white pills and creams. Its vivid color, actually, comes from its acridine compound, a quirk that helps you see exactly where you’ve cleaned a wound.
Open wounds, scrapes from a fall, or accidental kitchen knife slips – these common mishaps leave people reaching for antiseptics. Ethacridine lactate steps up as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Doctors and nurses have trusted it for bathing infected wounds, flushing out infected body cavities, and cleaning burns. Its power mostly comes from its ability to stop bacteria from reproducing. That means fewer hospital trips for local infections and easier home recovery for minor injuries.
In practice, I’ve seen ethacridine used as a gentle, non-alcoholic solution on kids. Alcohol stings and makes little ones yelp, while ethacridine just stains the skin yellow for a bit and does its work. For patients with sensitive skin or those allergic to other antiseptics, this medicine works as an option that rarely causes allergic reactions, which is a big deal. That’s a first-hand comfort in any home first-aid kit.
Ethacridine plays another role in maternal health. Before abortion pills and modern surgical tools became common, this medicine was widely used for second-trimester abortions. Even today, some clinics in resource-limited settings rely on ethacridine lactate — doctors inject it directly into the uterus, which then helps expel the fetus. Compared to more invasive methods, the approach causes fewer complications like infection or heavy bleeding. The World Health Organization lists it as a core medicine for this purpose, especially where surgical abortion remains unavailable. Its use continues in parts of China and some Eastern European countries.
The internet spreads a lot of confusion about antiseptics and their risks. Someone once told me they used mouthwash on a deep cut—something that stings and risks both irritation and delayed healing. Ethacridine’s safety record comes from decades of hospital use and real-life testing. Research shows it rarely causes tissue damage or pain, and bacteria develop resistance much slower than with some antibiotics. Of course, proper training in how to use it stays essential. For wounds with lots of dead tissue, doctors often combine it with mechanical cleaning because, like any medicine, it can’t solve every problem alone.
Availability matters, too. In many countries, finding safe, reliable antiseptics isn’t guaranteed. Traders sometimes sell unauthorized or counterfeit products, which puts everyone at risk. Policymakers and health authorities must ensure only certified suppliers handle products like ethacridine. For those who aren’t sure how or when to use it, pharmacists and doctors offer training or quick advice, bridging the knowledge gap and cutting down on unsafe practices.
Modern medicine leans on proven solutions. Ethacridine lactate monohydrate still matters to families and frontline health workers, especially where simplicity and safety can’t take a back seat. Practical experience shows that sticking to the basics pays off — keeping injuries clean and avoiding preventable complications. Reliable antiseptics like this one keep people moving, working, and healing without needless setbacks.
Ethacridine lactate monohydrate, widely known in healthcare circles, steps up where infection prevention really matters. It caught my attention years back during a medical rotation, as old-school nurses reached for yellow-tinged solutions to cleanse wounds and provide obstetric care. The stuff stands out not just for its color but for its role in keeping bacteria at bay, especially in places where more advanced antiseptics don’t always reach.
Most hospitals and clinics don’t go for oral or injectable doses. Instead, ethacridine lactate finds its main use through direct application to affected areas. In uncomplicated skin wounds or burns, cotton or gauze soaked in the solution makes direct contact with the wound. That’s a hands-on way to keep infection away, and the distinctive yellow marks usually serve as proof of presence.
Doctors sometimes see it as a tool during surgical procedures. Decades of use have shown the value of irrigating open wounds or body cavities with this antiseptic, especially when facing stubborn bacteria or when alternatives are out of reach. Midwives and doctors in some countries have relied on ethacridine lactate for labor induction through uterine irrigation (though this specific option has dropped off in many regions, replaced by newer drugs).
Applying ethacridine lactate directly onto wounds avoids common problems linked to stronger antibiotics—no risk of systemic resistance developing. Its fairly mild effect on body tissues means fewer stinging complaints, which stood out to me while working with pediatric patients. The low allergenic potential, supported by published evidence from clinical studies, keeps safety in check. Keeping proper dilution matters; direct use of concentrated forms can provoke skin irritation or unintended tissue damage. Pharmacies handle this carefully, supplying standardized pre-mixed solutions to wards and clinics.
In my own experience, the stories told by patients and old-timer clinicians match up well with what medical literature points out: this compound offers reliable germ-fighting power while rarely triggering reactions. A handful of arcane uses, like inclusion in ear drops for recurring middle ear infections, come up in specialty clinics. While not a go-to antiseptic in US or Western European hospitals today, healthcare workers in India and China reach for it far more often, according to recent pharmacy surveys and WHO supply chain reviews.
Stockouts and confusion over mixing ratios have hampered some rural centers, as I’ve witnessed in field settings. Training remains essential—showing clinicians and care aides how to mix and use ethacridine lactate, avoiding mistakes that could harm patients. Labeling solutions with clear instructions (including pictograms for non-literate settings) makes a real difference. Oversight from hospital pharmacists helps, too. As medical supply chains globalize, non-governmental organizations and public health agencies could coordinate bulk purchasing, helping rural clinics avoid expensive markups or counterfeit substitutes.
Ethacridine lactate shouldn’t slip through the cracks as a relic of the past; it holds value where resources run thin and infection risks run high. Staying grounded in evidence and taking cues from front-line workers guide best practices around its safe, effective use.
Ethacridine lactate monohydrate gets used as an antiseptic and sometimes as an agent during certain medical procedures. Many people have never heard of it, but in specific clinical settings, doctors and nurses trust it to clean wounds and manage infections. Before using any medicine, even something that might look harmless, real risks always exist.
After applying ethacridine lactate monohydrate to a wound or sore, some people report redness, mild burning, or an itchy feeling. Skin can get dry or start peeling after a few days of use. That sort of reaction tells the body to take notice. As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve seen even mild cleansers set off these issues, which underlines how important it is to do a patch test if the doctor recommends the product. Every body reacts in its own way, but ignoring changes like worsening irritation never helps.
Color changes, especially a yellowish stain around the application area, turn up often. The compound’s intense color explains this; it’s not harmful by itself, but if you see spreading redness or oozing, call a healthcare provider right away. Those are real warning signs that infection or more severe irritation could develop.
Some immune systems treat ethacridine lactate monohydrate as an invader. Swelling, hives, or a rash tells you that the body wants it out. Rare but possible, breathing trouble or swelling of the lips and face could follow. That calls for urgent medical care, since these symptoms point to dangerous whole-body allergies. Stories about allergies always stay with me, especially when minor problems turn rapidly serious. Communities with histories of eczema or allergies need careful advice before starting new topical products.
Most of the time, medicines like this work only on the surface. Still, infection can open up blood vessels and let the active ingredient get into the body. High doses, accidental swallowing, or improper use sometimes kick off headaches or dizziness. According to published papers, severe adverse effects stay rare, but ignoring odd symptoms after exposure never leads anywhere good.
Specialists point out that if the medicine gets into the eyes, burning, blurred vision, or eye damage could result. Using gloves and avoiding splashes becomes smart practice. In my own life, mistakes happen in a hurry—especially in a busy home or clinic. Clear instructions and smart storage help keep accidents at bay.
Doctors and pharmacists urge us to read instructions and respect doses. Open conversations with your healthcare provider matter more than ever, especially for people with other skin conditions, pregnant people, or folks with allergies. Reporting new side effects helps medical teams stay informed and guides better advice for everyone.
Manufacturers keep working on formulas to lower risk, but no antiseptic fits every person. Good wound cleaning, smart handwashing, and close follow-up for infections all add up to better outcomes. People deserve products that work, but they also need honest talk about risks, changes, and when to look for more help.
Ethacridine lactate monohydrate often gets pulled out in hospital settings and wound clinics. It’s an antiseptic—used on the skin, in some obstetric situations, and even in a few old-school wound irrigation routines. Some people remember it as a bright yellow solution. Its job? Kill bacteria and help wounds stay clean.
Most treatments aren’t ever truly risk-free. With ethacridine, folks should think about a couple of key issues before reaching for it. Allergy tops the list. People who’ve had a reaction to acridine dyes in the past, or developed a skin rash or swelling, will want to let caregivers know. In rare situations, this dye can trigger serious hypersensitivity reactions. Swelling, redness, blistering on contact—it can turn a routine wound wash into a problem.
Another group needing special caution: newborns and small infants. Their skin works differently. It's thinner, more absorbent, and that means substances can sneak through and end up inside the body more than intended. There’s a reason pediatricians stick to gentler alternatives for these little ones.
Some countries previously relied on ethacridine for second-trimester abortion, owing to its direct action in the uterus. These days, most clinicians prefer newer, evidence-backed methods. Reports have surfaced about uterine irritation or even injury with improper use. Infection control must stay tight, because even antiseptics have their limits if they end up in the bloodstream or internal organs.
Pregnant individuals need to double-check with their care team before using any antiseptic internally. Ethacridine should never become a home remedy.
No established major drug interaction exists for topical ethacridine lactate, but the story changes with systemic exposure. Swallowing the stuff, or using it over very large wounds (or burns), can push chemical levels higher than the body likes. There are scattered case reports talking about kidney irritation and worse outcomes. As someone who’s seen wound care complications in practice, I always look at how much skin is involved and what other health issues a patient may have.
Long-term or large-volume use in hospitals raises extra questions. Does repeated use promote bacterial resistance? Environmental studies on acridine compounds suggest some potential for soil toxicity in large quantities, though the risk looks small in most care settings.
The real challenge lies in training and communication. Pharmaceutical teams need to ensure clear labeling to avoid accidents. Clear protocols help prevent these solutions from being used in risky situations, like self-medication in pregnancy or home wound care without oversight.
On the patient side, asking about allergies matters. Bringing up every past rash—no matter how minor it seems—could save grief later. Health workers have to keep watch especially for folks with kidney concerns, infants, and those with sensitive skin. Sometimes it takes pressing the pharmacy for an alternative or changing the dressing strategy altogether.
The gold standard remains taking time to match the right product to the right patient, never assuming “older” or “routine” means “safe for everyone.” Keeping these conversations open with patients at every step reduces mistakes. After all, antiseptics like ethacridine can offer real benefits, but respect for their risks keeps outcomes positive.
Ethacridine lactate monohydrate landed on the medical scene over a century ago. Most younger folks might not even recognize its yellow hue, but seasoned clinicians still dig it up for certain cases. Doctors use it in gynecology and obstetrics, occasionally for wound care. The recommended dosage depends a lot on why and how it's being used, and old textbooks or guidelines usually set the pace.
In places where resources run thin, this antiseptic picks up the slack. For pregnancy termination in the second trimester, doctors inject it into the amniotic sac. Guidelines and published data point to a dosage range of 100 to 200 mg, diluted in 50 to 100 milliliters of saline or sterile water. They inject it intra-amniotically using a long spinal needle under ultrasound, hoping to bring about labor within about 24 to 48 hours. A 1970s World Health Organization bulletin describes this approach as both direct and, often, successful at prompting expulsion in the majority of cases. Still, the procedure isn’t simple or gentle—it needs experienced hands. That speaks to the importance of doctors keeping old but useful drugs in rotation, especially someplace with limited access to more modern medicines like mifepristone or misoprostol.
Wound cleaning wins another point for ethacridine lactate. Here, folks often see much lower concentrations—typically a 0.1% solution in water. Nurses or patients dab or soak the affected area, giving bacteria a hard time. Medical literature records a milder risk profile with topical use. That means less worry about serious side effects, and more focus on the benefits for minor wounds or burns. For this indication, instructions usually recommend flooding the wound or soaking a sterile dressing before applying. No strict dosage calculation necessary, but consistency does matter for avoiding infection.
Getting the dose right holds real importance beyond just ticking off a checklist. Too little might make the treatment useless, too much tempts trouble like local irritation or toxicity. Research backs this up—articles in the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences and others document both successes and mishaps. With intra-amniotic injection in particular, close medical supervision stays essential. Complications can circle back to mistakes in dosage or sterile technique. In wound care, going overboard with the solution can irritate tissues, delay healing, and spark frustration in both patient and provider.
Experienced hands still reach for ethacridine lactate monohydrate, especially when other choices get locked up by cost or supply. More training during medical education, clearer global dosing guidelines, and open sharing of real-world experience would help. Better packaging with up-to-date directions, especially for low-resource clinics, could cut down confusion. From seeing family practice doctors talk shop to reading field reports from hospitals across Asia and Africa, it’s obvious that clinicians need simple, reliable info. Patients get a safer ride, and caregivers save time and worry.
We benefit when medicine shares old and new ideas, pulls lessons from local experience, and doesn’t just toss out what’s worked for generations. Ethacridine lactate monohydrate won’t headline new drug launches, but it still gets the job done under the right hands. Staying up to speed on dosing keeps doors open for safe care—even when resources shrink or guidelines shift.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-ethoxy-6-methylacridin-9(10H)-imine lactate monohydrate |
| Other names |
Acrinol Ethacridine lactate Rivanol 6-Ethyl-1,2-dihydro-2-iminoquinoline monolactate monohydrate Monohydrate Ethacridine lactate monohydrate |
| Pronunciation | /ɛˈθækrɪdiːn ˈlækteɪt ˌmɒnəˈhaɪdreɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 6402-23-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3929147 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:4891 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2104527 |
| ChemSpider | 23459717 |
| DrugBank | DB00702 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b32029-fc14-4f0b-a1a3-0d9f3f439ae5 |
| EC Number | 205-364-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8418 |
| KEGG | C14615 |
| MeSH | D004976 |
| PubChem CID | 182144 |
| RTECS number | KF8225000 |
| UNII | “13LDD655HO” |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H21N3O4·C3H6O3·H2O |
| Molar mass | 543.55 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.75 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -1.5 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.28 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.4 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -77.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.622 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: <10 mPa·s (20°C, 2%) |
| Dipole moment | 5.5 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 365.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1086.4 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3933 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AA02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09, Warning, H315, H319, H410 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 1,500 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 830 mg/kg (Rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SG3345000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 30 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Acriflavine Proflavine Methylene blue Ethidium bromide Rivanol (ethyl acridine lactate) DAPI Gentian violet |
