Grisactin

Generic Name: Griseofulvin

US Brand Name: Grisactin

Other Brand/Trade Names: Griseofulvin is marketed under many brand names, including Grifulvin, Gris-PEG, Fulvicin, Griseofulicin and Griseofulvic.

Uses

Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that do not respond to creams/lotions. Clearing such infections will get rid of symptoms such as itching, red/peeling/scaly skin, and discolored nails.

Active Ingredients: griseofulvin

Inactive Ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, PEG, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Dosage and Forms

Griseofulvin is manufactured in the following forms: capsules, tablets and oral solution.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. Your doctor may recommend that you take Griseofulvin with a fatty meal to increase its absorption into your body. Take all of the Griseofulvin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. Symptoms of a Griseofulvin overdose are not well known but might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, numbness and tingling, and confusion. Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Contraindications and Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood disorder (porphyria), severe liver disease (hepatic failure). Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking this drug unless your doctor gives permission. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Griseofulvin increases sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. The combination of alcohol and Griseofulvin may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. Use alcohol cautiously during treatment with Griseofulvin.

Side Effects

Known side effects of Griseofulvin include: hives, skin rashes, confusion, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, impairment of performance of routine activities, inability to fall or stay asleep, nausea, oral thrush (yeast infection of the mouth), upper abdominal pain, vomiting, swelling, itching, tingling in the hands or feet, loss of taste sensation, sensitivity to prolonged sun exposure, sensitivity to alcohol, in similar way to disulfiram, possibly a teratogen inducing mutations, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Interactions

Griseofulvin may decrease the effects of the following drugs: oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), birth control pills, salicylates such as aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salsitab, Salflex, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).