What is griseofulvin tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Griseofulvin is an oral antibiotic that is
used to treat fungal infections of the skin, body, hair/beard, or nails.
Griseofulvin prevents fungal cells from dividing and multiplying. Griseofulvin
also is deposited in keratin cells on the surface of the skin making it
difficult for fungus to invade the skin and other tissues. Griseofulvin is
effective against Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. It is not
effective against bacteria. The FDA approved griseofulvin in 1959.
What brand names are available for griseofulvin tablet?
Gris-Peg, Grifulvin V, Griseofulvin Ultramicrosize
Is griseofulvin tablet available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for griseofulvin tablet?
Yes
What are the side effects of griseofulvin tablet?
Reported side effects include:
- Hypersensitivity type reactions
including rashes, itching, and redness - Angioedema (swelling under the surface
of the skin) - Numbness of the hands and feet
-
Oral thrush (fungal infection with
Candida Albicans) - Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loose stool (diarrhea)
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Mental confusion
- Impairment of performance of routine
activities - Presence of abnormal quantities of
protein in the urine (proteinuria) - Reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia)
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What is the dosage for griseofulvin tablet?
Adults
- The recommended dose is 375 mg daily or 250 mg three times daily of the
ultramicrosize formulation depending on the type of infection. - The dosing
recommendation for the microsize formulation is 500 mg once or twice daily, or
1000 mg as a single dose depending on the type of fungal infection.
The duration of treatment varies and is generally continued until the fungal
infection is completed eradicated. It is usually taken for
- 2 to 4 weeks for skin
infections, - 4 to 6 weeks for hair and scalp infections,
- 4 to 8 weeks for foot
infections, - 3 to 4 months for fingernail infections, and
- a minimum of at least 6
months for toenail infections.
Which drugs or supplements interact with griseofulvin tablet?
Griseofulvin interacts with many drugs. Patients should
consult the prescribing information for a complete list of drugs that interact
with griseofulvin. Known drug interactions include:
- Griseofulvin increases the activity of CYP3A4
liver enzymes. Griseofulvin should not be combined with other drugs that are
metabolized (broken down) by CYP3A4 enzymes because griseofulvin may decrease
their blood concentrations, decreasing treatment effectiveness. Examples of
drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes include atazanavir (Reyataz), bedaquiline (Sirturo),
daclatasvir (Daklinza), darunavir (Prezista), gefitinib (Iressa), nilotinib (Tasigna),
palbociclib (Ibrance), telithromycin (Ketek), and several other drugs. - Use of griseofulvin with birth control pills
may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and cause breakthrough
bleeding. Patients should use an alternative or additional form of birth control
(contraception) while on griseofulvin therapy and for up to 1 month after
stopping treatment. - The effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin,
Jantoven) may be reduced by griseofulvin because griseofulvin may increase the
breakdown warfarin by enzymes in the liver.
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Is griseofulvin tablet safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Griseofulvin is known to cause birth defects and should be avoided
during pregnancy. Women of child bearing potential must use appropriate forms of
contraception (birth control) during treatment and for one month after
completing griseofulvin therapy. Men are advised to wait six months after
completing griseofulvin therapy before attempting to father a child.
It is not known whether griseofulvin is excreted into human
milk. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, the manufacturer recommends
against the use of griseofulvin in
nursing mothers.
What else should I know about griseofulvin tablet?
What preparations of griseofulvin tablet are available?
- Oral suspension (microsize): 125 mg/5ml
- Microsize: Oral tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg
- Ultramicrosize oral tablets: 125 mg, 250 mg,
How should I keep griseofulvin tablet stored?
Griseofulvin should be stored at room temperature, between 15
C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).