Griseofulvin is a drug that was developed in 1939 in Oxford. It’s used to treat fungal infections, especially within the hair and nails; it’s due to this fact considered an antifungal. Even though it’s available in several types of administration, the oral route is probably the most common.

This has a bonus in effectiveness over other antifungal drugs, nonetheless, it also carries certain risks. Because of this, it needs to be used with caution, especially for those who are taking other medications or supplements. We let you know every part it’s essential to find out about it. Read on!

What’s griseofulvin used for?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug. Which means it’s intended to treat infections brought on by fungi. For instance, ringworm, which may be brought on by different species (fungi of the genera Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton).

It’s marketed in other ways from country to country. Each generic and brand-name drugs can be found (probably the most typical is Fulcin®). On this case, the target is to treat infections affecting the hair, nails, or skin.

How does it work?

Griseofulvin stops infections brought on by certain fungi. Its mechanism of motion is to forestall the fungus from multiplying and spreading to latest cells.

It does so by destroying certain structures of the fungus which might be involved in cell division. Specifically, it inhibits the mitosis of the fungus by destroying cell microtubules.

The drug is deposited within the cells of the body which might be chargeable for synthesizing keratin. These are present within the skin, nails, and hair. These are the places where it exerts its antifungal motion.

Its effects are often felt between the second and fourth day of treatment. Nevertheless, a complete cure of the infection may take weeks or months. This varies depending on the situation and extent of the fungus.

It’s administered orally since it’s absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. The drug has a half-life in blood of about 24 hours. Afterwards, it’s metabolized within the liver and eliminated through urine and feces.

Precautions before using griseofulvin

As with every other medication, there are particular points to take note before taking griseofulvin. To begin with, some individuals are allergic to this substance. Due to this fact, it’s possible that a severe allergic response may occur.

If that is so, symptoms include swelling of the throat, difficulty respiration, in addition to hives and other manifestations. Airway obstruction may be life-threatening. It’s essential to go to the emergency room if this happens.

Alternatively, the drug may interact with quite a few substances. Considered one of them is alcohol. It could make the person more sensitive to the consequences of alcohol, resulting in a better risk of intoxication.

Precautions if you’ve gotten certain diseases

Griseofulvin can aggravate or complicate some pathologies. Because it’s metabolized within the liver, it shouldn’t be administered to individuals with liver failure or cirrhosis.

The identical applies to people affected by systemic lupus erythematosus, or porphyria. The latter is a genetic disease that affects the blood. In each conditions, administration of this drug may cause a worsening of symptoms.

Other warnings about griseofulvin

It isn’t beneficial for pregnant women, women who’ve just given birth, or women who’re breastfeeding. While pregnant, the drug may cross the placenta and harm the fetus.

Within the case of breastfeeding, it seems to pass into the breast milk. Due to this fact, it’s advisable to contact a physician before starting this treatment. It shouldn’t be utilized in children under two years of age, as there’s no evidence of its safety, dosage, and efficacy.

Possible uncomfortable side effects of griseofulvin

Griseofulvin, like several other drug, isn’t freed from uncomfortable side effects. They don’t at all times appear, but they needs to be taken under consideration. Furthermore, there are some which might be more frequent than others. We explain these in the next sections.

Common uncomfortable side effects

Common side effects include skin rashes, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness might also occur.

Some people experience numbness or tingling within the extremities. Fungal infections within the mouth may even occur. Finally, it has been found to cause headaches, confusion, and insomnia.

Uncomfortable side effects of concern

Although less common, some people experience uncomfortable side effects of greater concern. Considered one of these we’ve got noted before – severe allergic reactions. These are also called anaphylaxis. This needs to be treated urgently.

In excess amounts, or in sensitive patients, liver damage is feasible. When this happens, tiredness and weakness may appear. Jaundice, lack of appetite, and stomach pain are also common. Similarly, bruising is more likely to occur more easily (as a consequence of impaired clotting).

Interaction with other medications

One other vital thing to pay attention to is that it may interact with other medications. Based on a publication by Mayo Clinic, it might also interact with vitamin or herbal supplements. It might end in toxic effects or prevent the drugs from being effective.

Drug interactions

When it interacts with other drugs, this drug often decreases the effectiveness of those drugs. It’s because it causes the liver to metabolize them faster. Consequently, the presence of those drugs within the body decreases and so they fail to work properly.

To begin with, it may affect contraception pills. When a girl is treated with griseofulvin, it’s beneficial that she use other contraceptive methods. For instance, barrier methods. If not, she could grow to be pregnant. Other drugs with which interactions occur are the next:

• Warfarin. It’s an anticoagulant used to forestall cardiovascular events, similar to thromboembolism or heart attacks.
• Salicylates, similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
• Cyclosporine.
• Certain barbiturates, similar to phenobarbital.

Recommendations for the usage of griseofulvin

With a purpose to use this drug accurately, it’s vital to know easy methods to administer it and the beneficial dosage. Based on a publication of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, this will vary depending on the patient.

It needs to be the physician who chooses probably the most appropriate dose in response to age, infection, and other influential aspects. The oral dose often utilized in adults varies from 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours. Also, 125 milligrams every 6 hours may be administered.

Treatment needs to be maintained until the infection is totally eradicated. This may occasionally take weeks or months.

If it’s a tinea capitis (scalp infection), higher doses could also be beneficial. Also, if the infection is on the skin, less treatment time is generally required. Alternatively, if it’s io the nails, it’s often prolonged for as much as six months.

Children should take 10 milligrams per kilogram per day. In these cases, the gram of griseofulvin per day shouldn’t be exceeded. As in adults, it may be taken once every 12 hours or once a day.

It’s beneficial to take the drug after eating foods wealthy in fats. For instance, after eating whole milk or cheese. The explanation is that fats improve its intestinal absorption.

What to recollect

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug. Like all other medication, it needs to be taken with caution, because it isn’t without uncomfortable side effects. As well as, it can interact with other substances and medications.

Due to this fact, it should at all times be prescribed by a physician. Likewise, it’s essential that the physician knows about any medication the patient is taking, in addition to their medical history. That is the one solution to prevent complications.

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