Griseofulvin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Mechanism of Action, Contraindications, Interactions and Storage

It is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat fungal infections of the hair, skin, and nails.

The oral tablet is available as a generic and brand-name drug at all pharmacies.

Griseofulvin not only stops the fungal infection from spreading to new cells, it also stops the infection and causes the fungi to multiply.

Presentation of the medicine

Griseofulvin (generic drug) comes in 250 mg and 500 mg forms.

Applications

This medicine is used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, hair, skin, toenails, crotch, thighs, skin caused by ringworm.

Side effects

Common side effects that accompany taking this drug include:

  • Rashes.
  • Sickness.
  • Acidity.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Dizziness
  • Mental confusion or cloudy thoughts.
  • Headache.
  • Signs of insomnia .
  • Numbness in various parts of the body.

If these effects persist, seek help from your doctor immediately. This medicine can cause serious effects that can be fatal in the long term.

These serious reactions include:

  • Swelling.
  • Fever.
  • Blisters
  • Marked decrease in appetite.
  • Joint pain
  • Constant feeling of fatigue.

In the event of such an instance, seek help immediately.

There are certain conditions under which it is advised that you should refrain from taking this drug, among which are:

  • If you are allergic to medication.
  • If you have a history of porphyria or liver failure.
  • If you have a history of lupus.
  • If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • If you are on any type of medication, be it prescriptive or non-prescriptive and herbal.
  • If you are taking hormonal pills for birth control.

Make sure you are not conceiving while taking this drug and also for at least six months after stopping it.

Dosage

The recommended dose for adults ranges from 500-1000 mg per day. Children are prescribed a low dose of approximately 125 mg depending on height, weight, and general health.

Be sure to take this medicine only after you have eaten something, whether it is a full meal or a light snack.

The food substance in your stomach helps you absorb this medicine better. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.

If it is too late and it is time for your next dose, do not overdose, skip the previous one completely.

Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose of this drug is suspected.

Mechanism of action

Griseofulvin prevents fungal cells from infecting hair, skin, or nails, helping to clear the fungal infection. This process is slow, so it can take several weeks for a skin or hair infection to clear up, and up to a year for a nail infection to clear up.

Although the medicine begins to work immediately the differences and changes in the affected area will take time to be noticeable. So it is essential to follow the course of prescribing griseofulvin, until the doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop the treatment sooner.

Contraindications

Allergy

The use of this drug is not recommended if you have a known history of allergy to griseofulvin or any other ingredient present with this drug.

Porphyria

The use of this medicine is not recommended in patients with this inherited blood and skin disease.

Impaired liver function

The use of this medicine is not recommended in patients who have impaired liver function or who have severe liver damage.

Key points

Pregnancy

The use of this medication by pregnant women is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

The use of this medicine is not recommended by women who are breastfeeding. Your doctor can prescribe a safer alternative if necessary.

Interactions

Interaction with other medications.

  • Ketoconazole.
  • Warfarin .
  • Estradiol.
  • Atorvastatin.
  • Sildenafil.

Storage

Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.

Make sure children cannot see or reach the medicine.

Keep the medicine in the container it came in.