Griseofulvin

Generic name: griseofulvin
Brand names: Grifulvin V, Fulvicin P/G, Fulvicin U/F, Gris-PEG, Grisactin Ultra, Grisactin 250, Grisactin 500, Griseofulicin, Griseofulvic

Drug class: Miscellaneous antifungals
Dosage form: tablet
Root of administration: oral
Dose: oral suspension (microcrystalline 125 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (microcrystalline 500 mg; ultramicrocrystalline 125 mg; ultramicrocrystalline 250 mg)
Mechanism of action: Its mechanism of action involves interfering with the formation of fungal cell walls by binding to microtubules and inhibiting fungal mitosis (cell division).

Drug usage cases: Griseofulvin is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, or toenails. Griseofulvin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Drug contraindications: You should not use griseofulvin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• liver failure;
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
• if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Side effects: Griseofulvin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet
• confusion, trouble with daily activities
• fever, chills, flu symptoms, white patches or sores inside your mouth or throat
• liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• kidney problems–little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath, foamy urine
• lupus-like symptoms–muscle or joint pain, flu symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight; o
• signs of stomach bleeding–bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Warnings: You should not use griseofulvin if you have porphyria or liver failure.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Taking griseofulvin during the first 3 months of pregnancy may cause birth defects. Do not take griseofulvin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Griseofulvin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed while using griseofulvin.