Grifulvin (griseofulvin)
The brand name of Griseofulvin is Grifulvin. It is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections of skin hair and nails also known as ringworm infections.
Mechanism of action (MOA)
It works by blocking the microtubule function and binds to tubulin. Also it binds with hair growing cells known as keratin precursor cells and prevents fungal infection. Griseofulvin also binds to fungal micro tubules after entering dermatophyte through transport processes that are energy dependent. This alters the process of fungal cell wall deposition and mitosis.
Uses
It is mainly used to treat ringworm infections like skin, hair, nails and beard that are not responding to lotions and cream. The symptoms abate slowly and then vanishes. It treats only fungal infection and not bacteria and yeast.
Dosage and Administration
For adults
The dose of 500 mg daily once a day for tinea corporis, tinea capitis and tinea cruris.
For tinea pedis and tinea unguium a dose of 0.1 g is needed.
For children
Dose is weight dependent.
For ex- children with 30-50 pounds of weight – 125mg to 250mg.
Children with over 50 pounds of weight – 250mg to 500mg.
The treatment should not be abandoned in between, complete the therapy as advised by the doctor. Maintain hygiene as infection of nails take atleast 4 months to clear. All other skin and hair infection will last not more than 4-8 weeks.
Side-Effects
Common side-effects:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Confusion
- Headache
- Urticaria
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Rashes
- Oral thrush
- Phototoxicity
- Swelling
- Paresthesia
- Upper abdominal pain
- Steven-johnson syndrome
- Nausea
- Oral thrush
- Mutagen
- Impairment of liver enzymatic activity
Some serious side-effects:
- Fever
- Dark urine
- White patches in your mouth
- Vaginal discharge
- Muscle pain
- Butterfly rash
- Proteinuria
- Leukopenia
- Granulocytopenia
- Erythema
Precaution and Warning
Patient should give full personal and family history to the doctor. Before taking the medicine tell your doctor of any allergic reaction you have, sometimes prolong usage of medicine may alter the level of hormone in your body. If you ever notice any skin reaction or elevation in your AST, ALT levels or if your skin turns yellow due to jaundice please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding
It is not known if the medicine is harmful in pregnancy or not because no research has been done on humans but animal studies show teratogenic effects.
It is also not known if it secretes into the milk or not but for potential risk avoid during nursing.
Drug Interaction
Drugs like oral contraceptives, barbiturates, oral anticoagulants, budesonide, carbamazepine, aspirin, clopidogrel, amiodarone, cortisone, diazepam, lopinavir, indinavir, paclitaxel etc are the drugs that should not be combined with Grifulvin. The document does not contain all the drugs that are harmful when combined with Grifulvin.
Some frequently asked questions about Grifulvin
What is Grifulvin?
Grifulvin, also known as griseofulvin, is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antifungals.
What conditions can Grifulvin treat?
Grifulvin is primarily used to treat fungal infections, such as ringworm (tinea corporis), athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and fungal nail infections (onychomycosis).
How does Grifulvin work?
Grifulvin works by inhibiting the growth of fungi. It binds to the protein in fungal cells, disrupting their ability to divide and multiply. This helps to eradicate the fungal infection and prevent its spread.
Is Grifulvin safe to use?
Grifulvin is generally safe when used as directed. However, it may have some side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, and skin reactions. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Can Grifulvin be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using Grifulvin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They can assess the potential risks and benefits and provide guidance based on your specific situation.
How should Grifulvin be taken?
The dosage and duration of Grifulvin treatment may vary depending on the specific fungal infection being treated. It is usually taken orally with a fatty meal or food that contains fat to improve absorption. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product packaging for the specific dosage and duration.
How long does it take for Grifulvin to work?
The time it takes for Grifulvin to work can vary depending on the severity and location of the fungal infection. Improvement in symptoms may be noticed within a few weeks to months of starting treatment. However, complete eradication of the infection may require several months of continuous use.
Can Grifulvin interact with other medications?
Grifulvin may interact with certain medications, including certain anticoagulants, birth control pills, and antifungals. Inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Can Grifulvin be used for children?
The use of Grifulvin in children should be determined by a healthcare professional. They can assess the child's specific condition and provide appropriate guidance on dosage and usage.
What should I do if my symptoms do not improve or worsen?
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen despite using Grifulvin as directed, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. They can assess your condition and recommend alternative treatment options if necessary.
Brand names
Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG, Grisactin, Grisovin FP, Fulcin S, Gricin, Griseo, Likuden M, Polygris, Grisol, Grisovin.
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