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$Title{griseofulvin}
$Subject{Fulvicin P/G Schering V/F Grifulvin V Ortho Derm Grisactin
Wyeth-Ayerst Ultra Gris-PEG Sandoz Antifungal griseofulvin fungal infections
skin nails fungi skin hair nails protects invasion}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


griseofulvin
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Fulvicin P/G (Schering)
     Fulvicin V/F (Schering)
     Grifulvin V (Ortho Derm)
     Grisactin (Wyeth-Ayerst)
     Grisactin Ultra (Wyeth-Ayerst)
     griseofulvin (various manufacturers)
     Gris-PEG (Sandoz)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antifungal

INGREDIENT

     griseofulvin

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (125 mg, 165 mg, 250 mg, 330 mg, and 500 mg)
     Capsules (125 mg and 250 mg)
     Oral suspension (125 mg per 5-ml teaspoonful)

STORAGE

     Griseofulvin tablets, capsules, and oral suspension should be stored at
room temperature in tightly closed containers.  This medication should never
be frozen.

USES

     This medication is used to treat certain fungal infections of the skin
and nails.  Griseofulvin prevents the multiplication of susceptible fungi.  It
also enters the cells of skin, hair, and nails, and protects them from fungal
invasion.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take griseofulvin with food
or milk.
     The oral suspension form of this medication should be shaken well, just
before measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the
bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to evenly distribute the
ingredients and equalize the doses.  Each dose should then be measured
carefully with a specially designed, 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary
kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (perhaps six months or more), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking this drug too
soon, resistant fungi are given a chance to continue growing, and your
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, stomach upset,
and vomiting.  These side effects should disappear in several days, as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down awhile; get up slowly.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should
therefore avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective
clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, itching, skin rash, sore throat, or a tingling of the hands or
feet.

INTERACTIONS

     Griseofulvin interacts with other types of medication.
     1. It can increase the effects of alcohol, resulting in flushing and an
increased heart rate.
     2. Barbiturates can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of
griseofulvin.
     3. Griseofulvin can decrease the effectiveness of oral anti-coagulants
(blood thinners, such as warfarin).
     Before starting to take griseofulvin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you
are already taking any of these other medications.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to griseofulvin, penicillins, cephalosporin
antibiotics, or penicillamine.
     * Before starting to take griseofulvin, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have, or if you have ever had, liver disease, porphyria, or systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE).
     * If this drug makes you dizzy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
equipment.
     * Observe good hygiene to control the source of infection and to prevent
reinfection.
     * Concurrent use of an appropriate topical antifungal medication may be
necessary to help clear the infection.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women have not yet been completed, but birth defects have been
reported in animals whose mothers received large doses of griseofulvin during
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether or not griseofulvin passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.