[Antimicrobially effective compounded medications. Clinical value and critical comments].

Triphenyl-methan dyes, traditionally used in dermatology should be reevaluated with caution. Their use should be limited due to the uncertain pharmacological-toxicological risk-benefit ratio and the lack of pharmacological quality of the raw substances. Sometimes antimicrobial activity is insufficient and the cytotoxic effects, along with the inhibition of wound healing, make these dyes less suitable for topical treatment in dermatology. Chinolinolsulfat (Chinosol) and Clioquinol should be used in low concentrations and only on small areas. Due to their negative benefit-risk profile ethracidinlactate-monohydrate (Rivanol) and phenylmercuri-borate (Mercuchrom) should not be used as topical antimicrobial substances. The present publication is intended to give practical recommendations on compounded medications for topical antimicrobial use. Even though some of the cited compounds must be considered critically, we recommend the topical use of chlorhexidine salts, polihexanide, triclosan, polyvidone iodide and silver compounds. Useful standardised compounded formulations containing these four groups are listed in the NRF (Neues Rezeptur Formularium: New German Pharmacopoeia for compounded medication).