Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, hair, skin and nails.
Take Griseofulvin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine immediately after meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Griseofulvin is available as tablets or oral suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Griseofulvin must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Griseofulvin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to this medicine or to other similar antifungal medications
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe liver disease
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation
as Griseofulvin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Griseofulvin if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Griseofulvin may cause harm to your unborn child.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Griseofulvin therapy and 1 month (in women) or 6 months (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have allergies to penicillin.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function test, blood test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Maintain good hygiene as this is important in managing fungal infections.
Griseofulvin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and impaired coordination. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, stomach discomfort and headache.
Griseofulvin may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- low white blood cell count
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for epilepsy or fits e.g. phenobarbital, primidone
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- medicine for pain and inflammation e.g. aspirin, phenylbutazone
- ciclosporin (medicine used for organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- birth control pills
- methadone (strong painkiller)
- doxecalciferol (a vitamin D supplement)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Griseofulvin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen nausea, vomiting, flushing and rapid heartbeat caused by Griseofulvin.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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