Griseofulvin - Oral

Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp, feet, hair, and nails.

Take Griseofulvin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal, preferably with fatty meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Griseofulvin is available as a tablet or oral suspension.

If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your infection and your response to the medication.

Take Griseofulvin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Griseofulvin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• severe liver disease, including liver failure

as Griseofulvin may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Griseofulvin therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.

Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Griseofulvin therapy and for 1 month (in women) or 6 months (in men) after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have mild to moderate liver disease.

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Griseofulvin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Maintain good hygiene as this is important in managing fungal infections.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. liver and kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

Griseofulvin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• butterfly-shaped skin rash over the nose and cheeks, easily sunburned skin, shortness of breath, joint or muscle pain, chest pain
• frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
• medicines for sleep disorders
• phenylbutazone (NSAID or medicine for pain and inflammation)
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• birth control pills

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Griseofulvin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Griseofulvin.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.