Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet

Uses of Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet

• Treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp, hair, groin, feet, and nails

How does Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet work?

Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet inhibits the growth of fungi by binding to a part of the fungus causing the infection in the body. This stops the fungus from multiplying. It also prevents fungus from spreading to new cells. These actions cause the fungal infection to shed completely.

Side Effects of

• Skin Rash
• Mouth Sores
• Sore Throat
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Increased Thirst
• Dizziness

Quick Suggestions:

• Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, scalp, or hair when other medicines have failed to clear up the infection or are not appropriate.
• Take it with food to help your body absorb the medicine.
• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Griseofulvin may cause dizziness.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Griseofulvin as it may cause excessive drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
• It can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• It can make birth control pills less effective. Use an additional method of contraception while taking Griseofulvin.
• Do not take Griseofulvin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Indication of Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet

Griseofulvin is primarily used to treat the following conditions:

1. Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
2. Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
3. Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
4. Tinea unguium (onychomycosis; ringworm of the nails)
5. Tinea cruris (ringworm of the thigh)
6. Tinea barbae (barber's itch)

Griseofulvin works by preventing the growth of fungi responsible for ringworm infections affecting the hair, skin, and nails. These fungi include various species such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Microsporum canis. It is essential to identify the specific fungus causing the infection before starting treatment, and griseofulvin is not necessary for minor infections treatable with topical antifungal medications.

Pharmacology

Griseofulvin is a fungistatic drug, and while its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to inhibit fungal cell division and the synthesis of nuclear acids. It also interferes with the function of cellular microtubules, specifically alpha and beta tubulin. Griseofulvin attaches to human keratin cells and then binds to fungal microtubules at the site of infection, disrupting the fungal cell division process.

Dosage & Administration of Griseofulvin 500mg Tablet

Accurate diagnosis of the infecting fungus is crucial. Diagnosis can be made through microscopic examination of infected tissue in a potassium hydroxide solution or by culturing the fungus on an appropriate medium. Medication should be continued until the infection is completely eradicated, as confirmed by clinical or laboratory assessments. Treatment durations vary depending on the type of infection.

For adults, a daily dose of 500 mg is usually effective for tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea capitis. In more challenging cases like tinea pedis and tinea unguium, a daily dose of 1.0 gm is recommended. Children should receive approximately 5 mg per pound of body weight per day, with specific dosages based on weight.

It's important to take griseofulvin with food, preferably immediately after meals.

Interaction

Patients taking warfarin-type anticoagulants may require adjustments to their anticoagulant doses during and after griseofulvin therapy. Concurrent use of barbiturates can reduce the effectiveness of griseofulvin and may necessitate higher dosages.

Contraindications

Griseofulvin is not recommended for individuals with porphyria, hepatic failure, or a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. Pregnant women should not be prescribed griseofulvin, as it has been associated with instances of conjoined twins when used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Griseofulvin is classified as Pregnancy Type C, indicating that either animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, or there are no controlled studies in women. It should only be administered during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients on long-term griseofulvin treatment should undergo regular monitoring of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and hemopoietic functions. While there is a potential risk of cross-sensitivity with penicillin due to griseofulvin's origins, known penicillin-sensitive individuals have been successfully treated. Due to the occasional association of photosensitivity reactions with griseofulvin, patients should be advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, whether natural or artificial and lupus erythematosus may worsen if a photosensitivity reaction occurs.

Storage Conditions

Griseofulvin should be stored at temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.