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Griseofulvin

Generic name: griseofulvin [ GRIS-ee-oh-FUL-vin ]
Brand names: Grifulvin V, Fulvicin P/G, Fulvicin U/F, Gris-PEG, Grisactin Ultra, ... show all 9 brands
Dosage forms: oral suspension (microcrystalline 125 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (microcrystalline 500 mg; ultramicrocrystalline 125 mg; ultramicrocrystalline 250 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antifungals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 5, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is griseofulvin?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, or toenails.

Griseofulvin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Griseofulvin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Griseofulvin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of griseofulvin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use griseofulvin if you have porphyria or liver failure.

Taking griseofulvin during the first 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use griseofulvin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Taking griseofulvin during the first 3 months of pregnancy may cause birth defects. Do not take griseofulvin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Griseofulvin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed while using griseofulvin.

Griseofulvin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I take griseofulvin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose as your infection improves. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow a tablet whole. You may be able to crush the tablet and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

While treating a fungal skin or nail infection, keep the skin areas as clean and dry as possible.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Griseofulvin will not treat a bacterial or viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Griseofulvin also will not treat certain types of fungal infections, including yeast infections.

It may take up several weeks before your symptoms improve. Nail infections can take several months to clear completely.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking griseofulvin?

Avoid covering affected skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon or polyester clothing, or plastic pants) that does not allow air to circulate to your skin. If you are treating athlete's foot, wear clean cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow for air circulation. Keep your feet as dry as possible.

Griseofulvin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Drinking alcohol with griseofulvin can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect griseofulvin?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect griseofulvin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.