Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin is used to treat skin infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm; and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, and toenails. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Griseofulvin comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or can be taken two to four times a day. Although your symptoms may get better in a few days, you will have to take griseofulvin for a long time before the infection is completely gone. It is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks for skin infections, 4 to 6 weeks for hair and scalp infections, 4 to 8 weeks for foot infections, 3 to 4 months for fingernail infections, and at least 6 months for toenail infections. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take griseofulvin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Continue to take griseofulvin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking griseofulvin without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Griseofulvin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea or loose stools</li>
<li>
thirst</li>
<li>
fatigue</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
faintness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
fever</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
skin rash</li>
<li>
mouth soreness or irritation</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking griseofulvin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to griseofulvin, penicillin, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), oral contraceptives, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), phenobarbital (Luminal), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, porphyria, lupus, or a history of alcohol abuse. tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. you should plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Griseofulvin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.