Griseofulvin: Uses, Interactions and Safety
Uses
Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal for infections caused by dermatophytes, including selected scalp, skin and nail infections. It is not an appropriate treatment for Candida or invasive fungal infection. The organism, infection site and alternatives matter when choosing therapy; treatment may continue while healthy keratin replaces infected tissue.
Administration
Microsize and ultramicrosize formulations have different absorption and are not automatically interchangeable. Follow the instructions for the actual product. Food, particularly a fatty meal, can increase absorption of microsize griseofulvin. Complete the prescribed course and attend follow-up; improvement in appearance does not by itself establish eradication.
Safety
Griseofulvin is contraindicated in pregnancy, porphyria, hepatocellular failure and known allergy to the medicine. Tell the prescriber about liver disease or lupus. Severe skin reactions and liver injury have been reported. Seek urgent help for blistering rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, jaundice or dark urine. Protect the skin from excessive sunlight.
Interactions
Griseofulvin can reduce the effect of warfarin-type anticoagulants and lower ciclosporin concentrations, requiring monitoring during treatment and after stopping. It may reduce estrogen-containing oral contraceptive effectiveness. Salicylate concentrations can also fall. Alcohol can provoke flushing, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and dangerously low blood pressure and should be avoided.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not use during pregnancy. Discuss effective contraception because oral estrogen-containing methods may be less reliable. Breastfeeding decisions require individual assessment; human milk information is limited. Consult the exact product leaflet about precautions when planning conception after treatment.
Adverse effects
Rash, hives, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort are reported. Numbness or tingling can occur with prolonged treatment and should be assessed. Turkish KLİMİK material supports oral dermatophyte treatment and formulation differences, but does not confirm present Turkish marketing status or availability.
Sources
The linked Turkish profile contains the medicine record and its documented interaction list.