Griseofulvin

Introduction To Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, scalp, or hair. This medicine is usually used when other medicines have failed to clear up the infection or are not appropriate. It kills the fungi and prevents them from growing on your skin.

Griseofulvin should be taken with food. This will help your body to absorb the medicine. Take it regularly and at the same time each day. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully to get the most benefit. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Some common side effects of this medicine include headache, skin rash, nausea, and diarrhea. If they do not go away or worsen, you should contact your doctor. Some people may also experience dizziness, you should not drive or operate heavy machines if this happens.

Before using Griseofulvin, you should tell your doctor if you have any problems with your heart or liver. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other medicines you are taking. So let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not use this medicine as it can cause harm to the baby. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Uses of Griseofulvin

  • Fungal infections

Benefits of Griseofulvin

Fungal infections
Griseofulvin works by killing and stopping the growth of fungus that is causing the infection. It helps treat infections of the skin, nails, hair, or scalp. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on what you are being treated for. Make sure you complete the full course of treatment. This will ensure that the infection is completely cured and prevent it from returning.

Side effects of Griseofulvin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ecovin

  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness

How to use Griseofulvin

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Griseofulvin is to be taken with food.

How Griseofulvin works

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication. It stops the growth of fungi by preventing fungal cell division.

Quick tips

  • Take it with food to help your body absorb the medicine.
  • Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
  • Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Griseofulvin may cause dizziness.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Griseofulvin as it may cause excessive drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • It can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
  • It can make birth control pills less effective. Use an additional method of contraception while taking Griseofulvin.
  • Do not take Griseofulvin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyUNSAFE

Can I take Griseofulvin if I’m pregnant?

Griseofulvin is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Griseofulvin if I’m breastfeeding?

Griseofulvin is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Griseofulvin safe?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Griseofulvin.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Griseofulvin?

Griseofulvin may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Griseofulvin if I have/had kidney diseases?

Griseofulvin is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Griseofulvin may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of kidney function test may be advised while you are taking this medicine.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Griseofulvin if I have/had liver diseases?

Griseofulvin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Griseofulvin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Griseofulvin is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function test may be advised while the patient is taking this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Griseofulvin?

If you forget 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 take the next scheduled dose at the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Is Griseofulvin effective?

Griseofulvin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Griseofulvin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. Is Griseofulvin a steroid?

No, Griseofulvin is not a steroid. It is a medicine that is used to kill a wide variety of infection-causing fungus. It is applied on the affected skin or nails to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails.

Q. Can Griseofulvin cause any local reaction or rashes?

Yes, the use of Griseofulvin may cause allergic reactions, but the probability is unknown. Such allergic reaction is not very common and is likely to occur in only susceptible or sensitive individuals. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience such reactions.

Q. Is Griseofulvin safe?

Griseofulvin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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