griseofulvin at a glance
Medicine class
Systemic antifungal antibiotic
Main targets
Dermatophytes affecting the skin, scalp, hair or nails
Taking the tablets
Swallow whole with water immediately after food
Sunlight
Can increase sensitivity to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light
What is griseofulvin used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Dermatophyte infections of the skin, scalp, hair or nails when topical treatment is inappropriate or has failed.
It does not treat Candida, Aspergillus, pityriasis versicolor or Nocardia infections.
How does griseofulvin work?
Griseofulvin disrupts the microtubules needed for fungal cell division. It also concentrates in newly formed keratin, helping new skin, hair and nail tissue resist dermatophyte invasion while infected tissue grows out and is shed.
griseofulvin preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 125 mg, 500 mg
How to take griseofulvin
Follow the prescription label and prescriber's instructions.
Swallow tablets whole with water immediately after a meal because food improves absorption.
Complete the prescribed course even if the visible infection improves.
Avoid intense sunlight, sunbeds and other artificial ultraviolet exposure. Use protective clothing and suitable sunscreen outdoors.
Avoid alcohol if it causes flushing, sweating, a fast heartbeat or stronger-than-expected effects.
griseofulvin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Symptoms of liver injury, such as jaundice, dark urine or unusual tiredness
- Fever, mouth ulcers or persistent infections, which may indicate reduced white blood cells
- New or worsening lupus-like rash, joint pain or tiredness
- Marked confusion, poor coordination or persistent numbness and tingling
griseofulvin in pregnancy
Griseofulvin is contraindicated during pregnancy because of concern about fetal abnormalities. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for one month afterwards; men should not father a child within six months of treatment. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
griseofulvin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether griseofulvin passes into human milk, and safety for breastfed children has not been established. The selected product advises against use while breastfeeding; the prescriber should consider an alternative and individual circumstances.
griseofulvin interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, contraception and alcohol use. Important examples include:
Oral hormonal contraceptives
Griseofulvin can reduce contraceptive effectiveness; additional precautions are required during treatment and for one month afterwards.
Coumarin anticoagulants, including warfarin
Their anticoagulant effect may be reduced, requiring closer monitoring and possible adjustment.
Ciclosporin
Griseofulvin may lower ciclosporin exposure and effectiveness, so clinical or concentration monitoring may be needed.
Common questions about griseofulvin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does griseofulvin treat thrush?
No. It is not effective against Candida, which commonly causes thrush.
Why should it be taken after food?
Food improves its otherwise variable and incomplete absorption from the gut.
Can I drink alcohol?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.