Griseofulvin 500 mg Tablet

Oral antifungal for dermatophyte infections not suitable for topical treatment:

• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) — especially in children
• Extensive ringworm of the body, beard, groin, feet
• Fungal nail infections (less effective than terbinafine)

Adults: 500 mg daily (microsize) in single or divided doses, up to 1 g daily for severe infections.

Children (tinea capitis): 15–25 mg/kg daily (microsize) in 1–2 doses, for 6–8 weeks (or until 2 weeks after clinical and mycological cure).

• Take with a fatty meal (improves absorption).
• Duration: skin 2–4 weeks; scalp 6–8 weeks; fingernails 6 months or more; toenails 12–18 months.

• Pregnancy (and avoid conception — women for 1 month after, men for 6 months after treatment)
• Severe liver disease, porphyria
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Allergy to griseofulvin

Common: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, sun sensitivity.

Less common: dizziness, tiredness, confusion, taste disturbance.

Rare but serious: liver injury, low white cells, severe skin reactions, lupus-like syndrome.

• Avoid sunlight; avoid alcohol (flushing, fast heartbeat).
• Long courses: check blood counts and liver tests.
• May reduce alertness — caution when driving.
• Penicillin allergy: possible cross-sensitivity.

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Women must avoid pregnancy during and for 1 month after treatment; men should not father a child during and for 6 months after. Avoid while breastfeeding.

• Oral contraceptives (reduced effect — use additional contraception)
• Warfarin (reduced effect — monitor INR)
• Ciclosporin (reduced levels)
• Phenobarbital (reduces griseofulvin absorption)
• Alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction)

Headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting. Supportive care.

Store below 30°C.