griseofulvin

n.
An antibiotic, C₁₇H₁₇ClO₆, administered orally for the treatment of ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails.

[From New Latin (Pēnīcillium) grīseofulvum, species of penicillium (Medieval Latin grīseus, griseous; see griseous + Latin fulvum, neuter of fulvus, tawny) + -IN.]

Brand names: Fulvicin® P/GFulvicin® U/FGrifulvin® VGris-Peg®Grisactin®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Griseofulvin, Ultramicrocrystalline Oral tablet (below)
• Griseofulvin, Microcrystalline Oral tablet
• Griseofulvin, Microcrystalline Oral suspension
• Griseofulvin Oral suspension

Español:
• Griseofulvina, Ultramicrocristalina, Tableta oral
• Griseofulvina, Microcristalina, Tableta oral
• Griseofulvina, Microcristalina, Suspensión oral
• Griseofulvina, Suspensión oral

Griseofulvin, Ultramicrocrystalline Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

GRISEOFULVIN (gri see oh FUL vin) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin, hair, or nails.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•liver disease
•porphyria
•systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to griseofulvin, penicillin, other foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

•barbiturate medicines for sleep or seizures
•female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Some fungal infections need many weeks or months of treatment to cure.

Follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the infection. You may need to use another medicine on your skin while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•confusion
•dark urine
•fever or infection
•loss of appetite
•mouth sores, white patches
•skin rash, redness, blistering, or peeling of skin
•tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
•trouble breathing
•unusually weak or tired
•yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•difficulty sleeping
•dizziness
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A fungistatic antibiotic produced by Penicillium griseofulvum used orally for treatment of fungal infections of the skin. Toxic effects include bone marrow suppression and teratogenicity.

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