Grisovin

What is it?

An antifungal preparation available as white, film-coated tablets of 2 strengths containing 125mg and 500mg of griseofulvin both marked with name, strength and manufacturer's name.

Medical Uses

(Dermatophyte) fungal infections of nails, skin and scalp, especially those not suitable for treatment with topical preparations.

Dosage

Adults, 500mg-lg each day in divided doses after meals. Dose should not fall below 10mg per kg of body weight each day. Children, 10mg per kg of body weight each day as divided doses.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients with serious liver disease, porphyria, SLE (a rare collagen disease), men should use contraception during treatment and for 6 months afterwards; women should use non- hormonal conraception during treatment and continue this for 1 month afterwards.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Anticoagulants of the coumarin type, oral contraceptives, alcohol, sedatives that induce liver enzymes, barbiturates, phenylbutazone.

Known Side Effects

Headache, severe stomach upset, sleepiness, effects on skin - nettlerash, toxic effects and necrolysis, erythema multiforme (engorgement of superficial blood vessels and red, inflamed patches), sensitivity to light. Rarely, blood effects (neutropenia, leucopenia - decline in certain white blood cells), effects on central nervous system, SLE (autoimmune inflammatory disorder of connective tissues).