What is griseofulvin used to treat. Griseofulvin: The Versatile Antifungal Treatment

30.12.202025.07.2023 by alexxlab

What is griseofulvin used to treat? Griseofulvin is an effective antifungal medication used to treat various skin and fungal infections. Discover its uses, dosage, precautions, and more.

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Understanding Griseofulvin: A Comprehensive Overview

Griseofulvin is a pharmaceutical drug primarily used to treat a variety of fungal infections affecting the skin, hair, and nails. This versatile antifungal medication has been a staple in the treatment of conditions such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, and toenails.

Griseofulvin’s Therapeutic Uses

Griseofulvin is prescribed for the treatment of various fungal infections, including:

Skin infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm
Fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, and toenails

In some cases, griseofulvin may also be prescribed for other uses not listed on the medication’s label. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for more information on the specific conditions griseofulvin can be used to treat.

Dosage and Administration

Griseofulvin is available in different formulations, including tablets, capsules, and a liquid suspension. The medication is typically taken once daily or divided into two to four doses throughout the day. The duration of treatment can vary, depending on the type of fungal infection being treated:

Skin infections: 2-4 weeks
Hair and scalp infections: 4-6 weeks
Foot infections: 4-8 weeks
Fingernail infections: 3-4 months
Toenail infections: At least 6 months

It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if the symptoms improve. Stopping the treatment prematurely may result in the infection returning.

Precautions and Considerations

Before starting treatment with griseofulvin, patients should inform their healthcare providers about any allergies, medical conditions, and medications they are currently taking. Specific precautions include:

Allergies: Patients with known allergies to griseofulvin or any other medications should not take this drug.
Liver disease: Griseofulvin should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver disease.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers before using griseofulvin.
Sun exposure: Griseofulvin can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so patients should take steps to avoid unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure.
Drug interactions: Griseofulvin may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and cyclosporine. Patients should inform their healthcare providers about all the medications they are taking.

Missed Doses and Side Effects

If a dose of griseofulvin is missed, the patient should take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed.

Griseofulvin may cause various side effects, including headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. Patients should inform their healthcare providers if any of these side effects are severe or persistent. Additionally, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or skin rash.

Storage and Disposal

Griseofulvin should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The liquid formulation should be kept away from light specifically. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of properly, either through a medication take-back program or by following the instructions provided by the FDA for safe disposal.

Conclusion

Griseofulvin is a proven and effective antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections affecting the skin, hair, and nails. By understanding the proper use, dosage, precautions, and potential side effects of griseofulvin, patients and healthcare providers can ensure the safe and effective management of these common fungal conditions.

Griseofulvin: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (gri see oh ful’ vin)

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Griseofulvin is used to treat skin infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm; and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, and toenails.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Griseofulvin comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or can be taken two to four times a day. Although your symptoms may get better in a few days, you will have to take griseofulvin for a long time before the infection is completely gone. 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 at least 6 months for toenail infections. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take griseofulvin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Continue to take griseofulvin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking griseofulvin without talking to your doctor.

Before taking griseofulvin,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to griseofulvin, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin), oral contraceptives, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), phenobarbital (Luminal), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, porphyria, lupus, or a history of alcohol abuse.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking griseofulvin, call your doctor.
tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
you should plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Griseofulvin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Griseofulvin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea or loose stools
thirst
fatigue
dizziness
faintness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

fever
sore throat
skin rash
mouth soreness or irritation

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep the liquid away from light. Do not freeze.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www. poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

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Griseofulvin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that do not respond to creams/lotions. Clearing such infections will get rid of symptoms such as itching, red/peeling/scaly skin, and discolored nails. This medication works by stopping the growth of fungi. It does not treat infections due to bacteria or yeast.

How to use Griseofulvin 250 Mg Tablet

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. For the best absorption, it is best taken with or after a meal containing a moderate amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about specific dietary instructions, especially if you are on a low-fat diet.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on weight. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have. It may take several weeks to months to complete treatment for infections of the scalp, feet, and body. Nail infections may require several months to a year or longer to treat.

Antifungal medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to take this medication for the full prescribed length of treatment even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, tiredness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, trouble doing normal activities), hearing changes, butterfly-shaped facial rash (around the nose and cheeks), joint/muscle pain, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, frothy urine), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever).

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking griseofulvin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy or less alert. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or much less alert. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking this drug unless your doctor gives permission. Drinking alcohol during treatment with this drug could result in a fast heartbeat and flushing of the skin. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using griseofulvin. Griseofulvin may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 month after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. (See also Drug Interactions section.)

The effects of this drug on human sperm are unknown. However, based on animal cell studies, the manufacturer recommends waiting for a period of time after completing griseofulvin treatment before trying to father a child. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and ask how long to wait after your last dose before trying to father a child.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), warfarin.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.

Does Griseofulvin 250 Mg Tablet interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, complete blood count) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to control the infection and to prevent re-infection. Fungus spreads easily in warm, moist areas. Follow good hygiene (for example wash and dry the infected area completely, and do not share articles of clothing or objects that come in contact with the infected area).

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Griseofulvin – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula

Structural formula
Russian name
English title
Latin name
chemical name
Gross formula
Pharmacological group of the substance Griseofulvin
Nosological classification
CAS code
pharmachologic effect
Characteristic
Pharmacology
Application of the substance Griseofulvin
Contraindications
Application restrictions
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Side effects of the substance Griseofulvin
Interaction
Dosage and administration
Precautionary measures
Trade names with the active substance Griseofulvin

Structural formula

Russian name

Griseofulvin

English name

Griseofulvin

Latin name

Griseofulvinum (genus Griseofulvini)

Chemical name

(1’S-trans)-7-Chloro-2′,4,6-trimethoxy-6′-methylspiro[benzofuran-2(3H),1′-[2]cyclohexene]-3,4′-dione

Gross formula

C ₁₇ H ₁₇ ClO ₆

Pharmacological group of the substance Griseofulvin

Antifungals

Nosological classification

ICD-10 code list

CAS code

126-07-8

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action 9 0095-

antifungal , fungistatic .

Feature

Antifungal. Antibiotic produced by the fungus Penicillium nigricans (griseofulvum). White or white with a yellowish tint, the smallest crystalline powder with a slight specific (mushroom) odor. Practically insoluble in water and petroleum ether, slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetic acid. Solubility in DMF at 25°C: 12-14 g/100 ml. Stable at high temperature, incl. when autoclaving. Molecular weight 352.77.

Pharmacology

Fungistatic effect is associated with the effect on the microtubular proteins of the fungal cell, resulting in the rupture of spindle-shaped mitotic structures and the arrest of mitotic division of fungal cells in metaphase, inhibits protein synthesis, disrupts the formation of the cell wall in chitin-containing fungi. It has a greater affinity for affected tissues: it selectively accumulates in the precursors of keratinocytes of the skin, hair and nails, strongly binds to the newly formed keratin, providing it with high resistance to fungal invasion (thus preventing fungal infection of new emerging cells). Gradually, the structures containing keratin are sloughed off. The cure occurs after the complete replacement of the infected keratin, so the therapeutic effect develops slowly.

Active against dermatomycetes, including Trichophyton 62 , Trichophyton verrucosum , Trichophyton sulphureum , Trichophyton menginii , Trichophyton gallinae , Trichophyton schoenleini , Tri chophyton crateriforme ), Microsporum ( Microsporum audouinii , Microsporum canis , Microsporum gypseum ), Epidermophyton ( Epidermophyton floccosum ). The fungistatic concentration for most griseofulvin-sensitive fungal species is 0.5–3 µg/ml. Yeast-like fungi (genus Candida ) and molds are resistant to griseofulvin. It does not have antibacterial activity.

When taken orally, the absorption of griseofulvin depends on the dispersion of its crystals: the amount of absorption of the microcrystalline form varies from 25 to 70%, the ultramicrocrystalline form is absorbed almost completely. Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract varies greatly from person to person, mainly due to the insolubility of the substance in the aquatic environment of the upper GI tract. From _max in the blood of adults on an empty stomach after ingestion of 0.5 g of griseofulvin is 0.5–2.0 μg / ml and is reached after 4 hours. It should be noted that in some patients there is a tendency to create low levels of the substance in the blood, regardless of time. This may explain the unsatisfactory therapeutic effect in some patients. Bioavailability in most patients increases when taken together with fatty foods. After ingestion, it accumulates in the stratum corneum and its appendages, as well as in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscles. Minor amounts enter liquid media and other tissues of the body. Biotransformation occurs in the liver, the main metabolites are 6-methylgriseofulvin and a glucuronide derivative. T_1/2 – about 24 hours, does not change in renal failure. Excreted in faeces (36% unchanged) and urine (less than 1% unchanged).

When applied topically, griseofulvin has little effect.

Toxicology in Animals

In long-term studies in animals fed griseofulvin with food (0.5-2.5% of the feed), hepatoma formation was noted in several strains of mice, especially in males. This effect was higher when griseofulvin particles were used in a smaller size. Subcutaneous administration of relatively smaller doses of griseofulvin once a week during the first three weeks of life also led to the formation of hepatomas in mice.

Tumors of the thyroid gland (usually adenomas, but sometimes carcinomas) developed in male rats fed griseofulvin with food (2.0; 1.0 and 0.2% of the feed), and in female rats with twice the griseofulvin content in the diet. In experiments on other animal species, no carcinogenic effects were found.

In oral subacute toxicity studies, griseofulvin caused hepatocellular necrosis in mice, but this effect was not observed in other animal species. In laboratory animals treated with griseofulvin, disturbances in the metabolism of porphyrin were observed. Griseofulvin had a colchicine-like effect on mitosis and contributed to the development of skin tumors in laboratory animals upon induction with methylcholanthrene.

Application of the substance Griseofulvin

Mycoses of the skin, scalp and nails: favus, trichophytosis, microsporia of the scalp, microsporia of smooth skin, ringworm of the beard and mustache, epidermophytosis of smooth skin, inguinal epidermophytosis, onychomycosis.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus-like syndrome, systemic blood diseases, leukopenia, organic diseases of the liver and kidneys, hepatocellular insufficiency, malignant neoplasms.

Restrictions for use

Children under 2 years of age (efficacy and safety of use have not been determined).

Use in pregnancy and lactation

There is evidence of teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of griseofulvin in animals (when administered orally in pregnant rats, pups with several disorders have been reported in the offspring). Griseofulvin has been shown to inhibit spermatogenesis in rats, although this has not been shown in human studies. Studies on dogs have shown that griseofulvin may cause adverse effects in offspring.

Contraindicated in pregnancy (griseofulvin crosses the placenta, adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted). Since 1977, two cases of conjoined twins have been reported in patients taking griseofulvin in the first trimester of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment with griseofulvin, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus.

Use during lactation is not recommended (it is not known whether griseofulvin passes into breast milk). There are no adequate data.

Side effects of the substance Griseofulvin

On the part of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhea, abdominal pain, candidal stomatitis, increased activity of hepatic transaminases, jaundice, hepatitis.

From the nervous system and sensory organs: headache, dizziness, excessive fatigue or weakness, insomnia, peripheral neuropathy, paresthesia of the extremities, impaired coordination of movements, lethargy, disorientation, confusion, depression, impaired taste sensitivity.

From the side of the cardiovascular system and blood (hematopoiesis, hemostasis): granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia.

Allergic reactions: rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, photosensitivity, lupus-like syndrome, erythema multiforme exudative, topical epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s syndrome).

Interactions

Griseofulvin induces hepatic microsomal enzymes and as a result may increase hepatic metabolism and therefore reduce the activity of indirect anticoagulants (PT needs to be monitored, anticoagulant dose adjustment may be required), oral hypoglycemic agents (blood glucose control, antidiabetic dose adjustment possible), oral estrogen containing contraceptives, theophylline (monitoring of its concentration in the blood with possible dose adjustment). Inducers of microsomal enzymes (including barbiturates, rifampicin) can increase the metabolism of griseofulvin and reduce its fungistatic activity. Enhances the effect of ethanol.

Dosage and administration

Inside (during or immediately after a meal), in one or more divided doses. The daily dose for adults is 500 mg (in case of severe mycoses, the dose is increased), for children – 10 mg/kg. The highest daily dose is 1 g. The duration of treatment depends on the infection and on the thickness of the keratin at the site of infection and is: in case of damage to the skin of the scalp – 4-6 weeks, body – 2-4 weeks, feet – 4-8 weeks, fingers – at least 4 months, toes – at least 6 months.