What is Griseofulvin?
Griseofulvin, an antifungal medication, is used to treat fungal infections of the scalp or fingernails.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of griseofulvin.
Side effects of Griseofulvin
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blisters, or a red or purple rash that is blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Griseofulvin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience numbness or burning in your feet or hands.
- Confusion is a problem with everyday activities.
- White patches or sores in your mouth or throat, or flu symptoms such as fever or chills;
- Jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite (upper right side), dark urine
- Kidney problems: little or no urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath. Foamy urine.
- Lupus symptoms: muscle pain or joint discomfort; flu symptoms; chest pain; and a rash that gets worse in the sun.
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Some of the common side effects associated with griseofulvin include:
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhoea;
- Headache, tiredness;
- Rash;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for FDA reporting purposes call them directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you have porphyria, liver failure, or liver disease, do not take griseofulvin.The unborn child may be harmed by taking griseofulvin in the first three months of pregnancy.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Liver failure
- Porphyria is a genetic disorder characterised by symptoms that affect the skin and nervous system.
- If you are or could become pregnant,
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver disease
- Lupus;
- Penicillin allergy.
Doing griseofulvin in the first three months of pregnancy can cause birth defects. Do not take griseofulvin while pregnant. While using this medication, use birth control.Griseofulvin may make birth-control pills ineffective. Ask your doctor if you can use a non-hormonal contraceptive (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, or contraceptive swabs) to prevent pregnancy.While using griseofulvin, you should not breastfeed.Griseofulvin should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
How to take Griseofulvin?
Read all the instructions and directions that come with your medication. As your infection progresses, your doctor may change your dosage. Follow the instructions on the label.Before measuring a dose, shake the orally suspended liquid. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).If you are unable to swallow the tablet whole, tell your doctor. It may be possible to crush the tablet and sprinkle the medication into a spoonful or applesauce. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for later.Keep the affected skin as dry and clean as possible.Even if your symptoms improve quickly, continue taking this medication for its entire prescribed time period.You can get resistant to infections if you skip doses.Griseofulvin does not treat bacterial or viral infections, such as the flu and common cold. Griseofulvin will also not treat some types of fungus infections, such as yeast infections.You may need to wait several weeks for your symptoms to improve. It can take up to several months for nail infections to completely clear.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor.You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you take this medication for a long time.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or synthetic (like nylon, polyester, or plastic pants), as this will prevent air from reaching the affected areas. When treating athletes' feet, wear sandals or shoes with air circulation. Dry your feet out as much as you can.Griseofulvin can make you burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).The side effects of drinking alcohol while taking griseofulvin are possible.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.Other drugs can affect griseofulvin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
