Griseofulvin for ringworm of the skin
Content provided by Healthwise
Examples
| Brand Name | Generic Name |
| Gris-PEG | griseofulvin |
Griseofulvin is taken as a pill (orally).
You take it once or twice a day for 2 to 8 weeks.
How It Works
Griseofulvin inhibits the growth of fungi.
Why It Is Used
Griseofulvin is used to treat ringworm of the skin, especially if ringworm has not cleared after using topical medicine or when ringworm rash is widespread.
How Well It Works
Griseofulvin is an effective treatment for ringworm of the skin.
You should take it with fatty foods for better absorption in the body.
Side Effects
- Stomach upset
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (photosensitivity)
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
If you are taking antifungal pills, your doctor may monitor your blood count and liver and kidney function during treatment to watch for any bad side effects. This may not be necessary in healthy children.
What To Think About
- Woman who are pregnant, people with certain diseases such as lupus, and people who are allergic to penicillin should not take griseofulvin.
- You should not take griseofulvin with some other medicines, such as birth control pills or blood thinners. Let your doctor know what other medicines you are taking.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | April 19, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 19, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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