Griseofulvin Description

Generic Name : GRISEOFULVIN

Pronunciation : (gri see oh ful' vin)

Trade Name(s) : Dermonorm, Fluvin, Fungivin, Geovin, Gris O.D, GrisactinForte, Grisomed, Grisoral, Grisoral-OD, Grisovin-FP, Idifulfin, Nufulvin, Ulvin, Walavin-250

Why it is prescribed: Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, fingernails, and toenails.

When it is to be taken: Griseofulvin is usually taken one to four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Griseofulvin must be taken regularly for a long period; the time required depends on how fast growth and replacement of your infected skin, hair or nails occur.

How it should be taken: Griseofulvin comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Shake the liquid bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Special Instruction :
1. Take all prescribed doses of this medication until your doctor tells you to stop. Although some improvement may appear within a few days, you will have to take griseofulvin for an extended period before the infection is completely gone-from two to four weeks for skin infections, at least four to six weeks for hair and scalp infections, at least four to eight weeks for foot infections, at least three to four months for fingernails infections, and at least six months for toenail infections.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response to this drug can be evaluated.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst. Take griseofulvin after meals. If these effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor.
2. Headache. If this side effect does not disappear after a few days, contact your doctor.
3. Fatigue, dizziness, insomnia. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe.
4. Mouth soreness or irritation. Contact your doctor.
5. Skin rash, shortness of breath, itching, hives. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, tell your doctor before taking griseofulvin. If you become pregnant while taking griseofulvin, notify your doctor promptly.
2. Before you take griseofulvin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or porphyria; if you are allergic to penicillin; or if you ever developed a skin rash, hives, swelling, or shortness of breath after taking penicillin.
3. Griseofulvin can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, limit the amount of time you spend in the sun and protect yourself with clothing, sunglasses, and a sunscreen preparation. If you become sunburned, contact your doctor.
4. Before you take griseofulvin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially phenobarbital, warfarin, and birth control pills.
5. Griseofulvin may decrease the effectiveness of birth-control pills, so use another method of birth control while taking griseofulvin.
6. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. When taken at the same time as alcohol, griseofulvin can cause fast heartbeat and flushing and increase the effects of alcohol.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.
3. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.