Griseofulvin is a drug to treat fungal infections of the scalp, groin or groin, feet, or nails.
Griseofulvin belongs to the class of antifungal drugs. Griseofulvin works by settling on the keratin cells on the surface of the skin, thereby preventing fungal cells from multiplying and attacking the skin.
Griseofulvin trademark: Fulcin, Fungistop, Gricin, Griseofulvin, Grivacin, Mycostop, Omeofulvin, Rexavin
What's that Griseofulvin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | antifungal |
| Benefit | Treating fungal infections |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Griseofulvin for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether griseofulvin is absorbed into breast milk or not. Should avoid using this drug because it has the potential to cause tumor growth. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, film-coated tablets |
Warnings Before Taking Griseofulvin
Griseofulvin should not be taken carelessly. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take griseofulvin if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Griseofulvin is not recommended for children under 2 years of age, because the benefits and safety are not known with certainty.
- Tell your doctor if you have porphyria or liver failure. Griseofulvin should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or lupus.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking griseofulvin, as this medicine can make you dizzy.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with griseofulvin, because it can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking griseofulvin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Griseofulvin
The dose of griseofulvin that your doctor prescribes can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of griseofulvin based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treating fungal infections in fingernails and toenails
- Mature: 500 mg every 12 hours.
- Children: 10 mg/kg body weight per day.
Purpose: Treating fungal infections of the scalp (tinea capitis), skin, and groin
- Mature: 500 mg per day.
- Children: 10 mg/kg body weight per day.
How to Take Griseofulvin Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before starting to take griseofulvin. In order to be better absorbed by the body, you should consume griseofulvin with foods that contain fat.
The length of treatment depends on the infection suffered by the patient, it could be in a matter of weeks or it could be more than a year. Try to take griseofulvin at the same time every day to be more effective.
If you forget to take griseofulvin, take it as soon as you remember if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Continue taking the drug even if the condition improves within a few days. Stopping the drug too soon risks making the fungus grow back.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after taking griseofulvin for the prescribed period of time.
Store griseofulvin in a closed container to avoid direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Griseofulvin with Other Drugs
Griseofulvin can cause drug interactions when used with other medicines. The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that may occur:
- Decreased effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs, salicylates, or ciclosporin
- Decreased absorption of griseofulvin when used with phenylbutazone, barbiturates, or sedatives
- Decreased effectiveness of atazanavir, darunavir, gefinitib, or nilotinib
- Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills
- Increased risk of occurrence sunburn when used with aminolevulinic acid
In addition, taking griseofulvin along with high-fat foods can increase the absorption and concentration of this drug.
Griseofulvin Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that may appear after using griseofulvin, including:
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Dizzy
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or serious side effects, such as:
- Mood swings
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Joint pain or muscle pain