Griseofulvin

Antifungal, Systemic · Anti-mitotic

Indications

Dermatophyte infections of the skin, scalp, hair and nails where topical therapy has failed or is inappropriate.

Dosage

Dermatophyte infections: Adults: 500 mg once daily or in divided doses; in severe infection dose may be doubled, reducing when response occurs. Children: Under 50 kg, 10 mg/kg once daily or in divided doses. Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans: Adults: 1 gm once daily or in divided doses. Children: Under 50 kg, 15-20 mg/kg once daily or in divided doses.

Adverse Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; headache also reported, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, hepatotoxicity, glossitis, taste disturbances, sleep disturbances, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, agitation, depression, impaired coordination and hearing, peripheral neuropathy, menstrual disturbances, renal failure, leucopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rash (including rarely erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis) and photosensitivity.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe liver disease; systemic lupus erythematosus (risk of exacerbation); acute porphyria. Precautions: Driving may impair performance of skilled tasks (e.g. driving); effects of alcohol enhanced.

Interactions

Warfarin type anticoagulant, barbiturates, coumarins, oral contraceptives, cyclosporin, alcohol.

Advice to Patient

Take immediately after meals. Take at regular intervals, as scheduled. Contact prescriber if there is skin rash, dizziness, confusion, difficulty in breathing, acute headache, colour change of urine or stool, white plaques in mouth or if there is no improvement or worsening of condition. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better. Avoid alcohol intake during therapy. Keep yourself in a hygienic condition to prevent reinfection. Have blood tests done, as advised by prescriber. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, proper eyewear and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Variable and incomplete absorption from the GI tract. Enhanced by administration with fatty meal. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 25%-70%. Half-life elimination: 9-24 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 4 hrs. Excretion: Faeces. Urine. Sweat.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Fungivin
• Grifulvin
• Grisol

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.