Why is this medication prescribed?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, including ringworm (tinea corporis), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and fungal infections of the scalp (tinea capitis).

How should this medicine be used?

Griseofulvin is typically taken orally in the form of tablets or liquid suspension. Here are general guidelines on how griseofulvin should be used:

• Dosage: The dosage of griseofulvin varies depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection being treated, as well as the individual’s age, weight, and medical condition. It’s essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Griseofulvin tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets unless directed by your doctor.
• Timing: Griseofulvin is usually taken once daily with a fatty meal or with whole milk to enhance absorption. Taking it with food can help improve its effectiveness.
• Duration of Treatment: The duration of griseofulvin treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to the return of the infection or the development of drug-resistant fungi.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may periodically monitor your progress and may perform tests, such as skin scrapings or fungal cultures, to check for the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Avoid Alcohol: It’s recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking griseofulvin, as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity.
• Sun Exposure: Griseofulvin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. It’s essential to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors and to avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and the directions on the prescription label carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use griseofulvin, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and effective use of griseofulvin for the treatment of fungal infections.

Other uses for this medicine

While griseofulvin is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, it may also have some off-label uses or be prescribed for other fungal infections not listed in its official indications. Off-label uses of griseofulvin may include certain types of fungal infections in the lungs, urinary tract, or other areas of the body, although the efficacy for these conditions may vary, and it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to consider when taking griseofulvin include:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Griseofulvin may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It may also pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Liver function: Griseofulvin can affect liver function and may cause liver toxicity, particularly with long-term use or at higher doses. Your doctor may monitor your liver function through blood tests while you are taking griseofulvin.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to griseofulvin or any other medications. This is important to prevent any potential allergic reactions.
• Interactions: Griseofulvin may interact with other medications, including oral contraceptives, blood thinners, certain antibiotics, and antifungal medications. It’s important to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Sun sensitivity: Griseofulvin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking griseofulvin, as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity.
• Children and elderly: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for children and elderly individuals, as they may be more susceptible to certain side effects or require different dosing regimens. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely.

Always take griseofulvin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and follow all instructions on the prescription label. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication or its precautions, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for griseofulvin include taking it with a fatty meal or whole milk to enhance absorption. This medication is better absorbed in the presence of fat, so taking it with food can improve its effectiveness.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of griseofulvin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Griseofulvin, like any medication, can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Common side effects of griseofulvin may include:

• Gastrointestinal upset: This can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Taking griseofulvin with food or milk may help reduce these symptoms.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking griseofulvin.
• Skin reactions: This can include rash, itching, or hives. If you develop a severe rash or any signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
• Photosensitivity: Griseofulvin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. It’s important to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Liver toxicity: In rare cases, griseofulvin can cause liver damage or liver failure. Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, or persistent nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Blood disorders: Griseofulvin can affect blood cell production, leading to conditions such as leukopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or anemia (low red blood cell count).
• Central nervous system effects: Some individuals may experience dizziness, fatigue, or confusion while taking griseofulvin.
• Allergic reactions: Serious allergic reactions to griseofulvin are rare but can occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe dizziness.

It’s essential to report any side effects you experience while taking griseofulvin to your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether the side effects are severe enough to warrant discontinuing the medication or if any adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about potential side effects, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of griseofulvin:

Storage:

• Store griseofulvin tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store griseofulvin in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink where it can be exposed to moisture.
• Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Disposal:

• Dispose of any unused or expired griseofulvin tablets properly.
• You can ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medication that you no longer need.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of griseofulvin:

• In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
• Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, confusion, dizziness, and liver toxicity.
• If possible, bring the medication bottle or packaging to the emergency room to assist healthcare providers in treating the overdose.

What other information should I know?

• It’s essential to take griseofulvin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds while taking griseofulvin, as it can increase the risk of sunburn.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as griseofulvin may interact with other medications.
• If you have any questions or concerns about griseofulvin or its use, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and effective use of griseofulvin while minimizing the risk of adverse effects and complications.