Griseofulvin
About
Griseofulvin belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals used to treat fungal infections of the skin like ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and fungal infections of nails and hair. Fungal infection is a skin disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another).
Griseofulvin contains Griseofulvin which works by binding to the keratin (a protein that is formed in the cells of the skin, hair follicles, and nail bed) and inhibits the growth and multiplication of fungal cells. Thereby, it prevents newly grown keratin from being infected by fungal cells. The infected keratin dies and sheds from the body leaving new healthy keratin.
Take Griseofulvin as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Griseofulvin based on your medical condition. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and discomfort in the stomach. Most of these side effects of Griseofulvin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Griseofulvin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Griseofulvin. Avoid or limit sun exposure while using Griseofulvin as it may cause photosensitivity reactions (make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays). Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not take Griseofulvin if you have porphyria (blood disorder), or liver failure.
Uses of Griseofulvin
Medicinal Benefits
Griseofulvin is an antifungal that is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails and hair. Keratin is a protein that is formed in the cells of the skin, hair follicles and nail bed. Griseofulvin binds to keratin and inhibits the growth and multiplication of fungal cells. Thereby, it prevents newly grown keratin from being infected by fungal cells. The infected keratin dies and sheds from the body leaving new healthy keratin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Griseofulvin
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Discomfort in the stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Griseofulvin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Griseofulvin. Avoid or limit sun exposure while using Griseofulvin as it may cause photosensitivity reactions (make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays). Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you have porphyria (blood disorder), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (an autoimmune disease) or severe liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Griseofulvin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Griseofulvin may interact with pain killers (aspirin), antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine), antifungals (ketoconazole), anti-asthma drugs (montelukast), and blood thinners (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Griseofulvin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid intake of alcohol as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as fast heartbeat, increased sweating, flushing or redness of the face.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Do not take Griseofulvin if you have porphyria (blood disorder) or liver failure. If you have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (an autoimmune disease) or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Griseofulvin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Griseofulvin as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as fast heartbeat, increased sweating, flushing or redness of the face.
Pregnancy
unsafeGriseofulvin is a Category X pregnancy drug and is unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause harm to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeGriseofulvin is excreted in human milk. Therefore, it is not advised for breastfeeding mothers as it may cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
cautionGriseofulvin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination or confusion. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Griseofulvin.
Liver
cautionTake Griseofulvin with caution if you have liver disease. However, Griseofulvin is not recommended for patients suffering from liver failure.
Kidney
cautionTake Griseofulvin with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionGriseofulvin is not recommended for children below 2 years. However, for children above 2 years, Griseofulvin should be used only if advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- In wet places such as changing rooms and gym showers, don’t walk barefoot to prevent fungal infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid sun exposure while using Griseofulvin as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infection: It is a disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another). Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin or scalp that is contagious and causes a rash resembling a worm in a ring shape. Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes an itchy, red rash in warm and moist areas of the body such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. An athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes, especially in people who have extremely sweaty feet and wear tight-fitting shoes. It occurs most commonly in athletes. It causes itching, burning, or stinging sensation due to a scaly rash.
FAQs
You are not recommended to take Griseofulvin with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may change the effects of warfarin. Please consult a doctor if you experience dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stools, vomiting or weakness. Also, contact your doctor before using Griseofulvin with other medicines so that the dose may be adjusted accordingly.
Griseofulvin may damage sperm. Therefore, it is not recommended to father a child while taking Griseofulvin and for 6 months after stopping treatment with Griseofulvin. It is advised to use effective contraceptive measures during this period to avoid pregnancy.
Griseofulvin may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn. However, if you notice any unusual sensitivity to the sun like a rash while using Griseofulvin, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to take oral contraceptive pills with Griseofulvin to prevent pregnancy as it may reduce the effect of oral contraceptive pills. Therefore, you are advised to use other contraceptive methods such as condoms to prevent pregnancy while taking Griseofulvin, and for 4 weeks (in females) and 6 months (in males) after stopping treatment with Griseofulvin.
Yes, fungal infection is a contagious skin condition which spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated soil/surfaces and infected animals. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid close direct contact until the infection is clear and avoid sharing things with the infected person as it can also spread the infection.
You are not recommended to stop using Griseofulvin without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infections. Therefore, take Griseofulvin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Griseofulvin, please consult your doctor.
