Acriflavine is a topical antiseptic. It has the form of an orange or brown powder. It may be harmful in the eyes or if inhaled. It is a dye and it stains the skin and may irritate.Commercial preparations are often mixtures with proflavine. It is known by a variety of commercial names.Acriflavine was developed in 1912 by Paul Ehrlich, a German medical researcher, and was used during the First World War against sleeping sickness.t is a dye and it stains the skin and may irritate. Commercial preparations are often mixtures with proflavine. It is known by a variety of commercial names. Acriflavine was developed in 1912 by Paul Ehrlich, a German medical researcher, and was used during the First World War against sleeping sickness.