Griseofulvin for Ringworm of the Scalp or Beard
Examples
You take griseofulvin as a
pill (orally). It is available in liquid form for children.
Depending on how severe the infection is, you may take griseofulvin once
or twice a day for as few as 4 weeks or as long as 12 weeks.
How It Works
Griseofulvin stops the growth of
fungi.
Why It Is Used
You use griseofulvin to treat
ringworm of the scalp or beard.
You are
likely to use griseofulvin together with antifungal shampoos.
How Well It Works
Griseofulvin is an effective
treatment for ringworm of the scalp or beard. It is the treatment of choice for children, because it is well tolerated and has a long history of safe use.1
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.)
What To Think About
- You should not take griseofulvin with certain
other medicines, such as birth control pills or blood thinners. Let your doctor
or pharmacist know what other medicines you are
taking.
- Griseofulvin should not be taken by pregnant women, people
with certain diseases (such as lupus), or people who are allergic to
penicillin.
- People who are taking antifungal pills will have their
blood counts and liver and kidney functions monitored during treatment to watch
for any adverse side effects.
- You should take griseofulvin with
fatty foods, such as whole milk or ice cream, for better absorption in the
body.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Habif TP (2010). Dermatophyte fungal infections section of Superficial fungal infections. In Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 5th ed., pp. 491–523. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | March 21, 2011 |
|---|
Last Revised:
March 21, 2011
Habif TP (2010). Dermatophyte fungal infections section of Superficial fungal infections. In Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 5th ed., pp. 491–523. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
