Generic Name: griseofulvin (GRIS ee oh FUL vin)
Brand names: Fulvicin P/G, Fulvicin U/F, Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG, Grisactin Ultra, Grisactin 250, Grisactin 500, Griseofulicin, Griseofulvic
What is griseofulvin?
Griseofulvin is an antifungal antibiotic that fights infections caused by fungus.
Griseofulvin 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.
What is the most important information I should know about griseofulvin?
You should not use griseofulvin if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver failure, porphyria, or if you are pregnant.
Before you take griseofulvin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, lupus, or an allergy to penicillin.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Griseofulvin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of griseofulvin. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Griseofulvin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking griseofulvin?
You should not use griseofulvin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
liver failure;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
if you are pregnant.
To make sure you can safely take griseofulvin, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
liver disease;
heart disease;
lupus; or
an allergy to penicillin.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether griseofulvin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether griseofulvin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take griseofulvin?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Griseofulvin works best if you take it with foods that are high in fat. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Griseofulvin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. If you use this medication long-term, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
See also: Griseofulvin dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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 exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Griseofulvin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of griseofulvin.
Griseofulvin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
fever, chills, flu symptoms;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
confusion, trouble with daily activities;
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling;
Less serious side effects may include:
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
headache, dizziness, feeling tired;;
sleep problems (insomnia);
confusion;
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or
- menstrual irregularities.
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.
Griseofulvin Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Fingernail:
Microsize formulation: 1000 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 660 to 750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Toenail:
Microsize formulation: 1000 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 660 to 750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Pedis:
Microsize formulation: 1000 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 660 to 750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Barbae:
Microsize formulation: 500 mg/day orally in single or 2 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 330 to 375 mg/day orally in single or divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Capitis:
Microsize formulation: 500 mg/day orally in single or 2 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 330 to 375 mg/day orally in single or divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Corporis:
Microsize formulation: 500 mg/day orally in single or 2 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 330 to 375 mg/day orally in single or divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Cruris:
Microsize formulation: 500 mg/day orally in single or 2 divided doses
Ultramicrosize formulation: 330 to 375 mg/day orally in single or divided doses
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatophytosis:
Microsize formulation:
1 year or older: 10 to 20 mg/kg/day orally in single or divided doses, not to exceed 1000 mg/day
Ultramicrosize formulation:
2 years or younger: Dosage has not been established.
Greater than 2 years: 5 to 15 mg/kg/day in single or divided doses, not to exceed 750 mg/day
What other drugs will affect griseofulvin?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
birth control pills;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with griseofulvin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More griseofulvin resources
- Griseofulvin Side Effects (in more detail)
- Griseofulvin Dosage
- Griseofulvin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Griseofulvin Drug Interactions
- Griseofulvin Support Group
- 5 Reviews for Griseofulvin - Add your own review/rating
- griseofulvin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Griseofulvin Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Griseofulvin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Griseofulvin Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Griseofulvin Microsize Oral Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Gris-PEG Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Gris-PEG Ultramicrosize Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare griseofulvin with other medications
- Dermatophytosis
- Onychomycosis, Fingernail
- Onychomycosis, Toenail
- Tinea Barbae
- Tinea Capitis
- Tinea Corporis
- Tinea Cruris
- Tinea Pedis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about griseofulvin.
See also: griseofulvin side effects (in more detail)
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