Griseofulvin (Microsize)
Indications
- Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
- Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
- Tinea unguium (onychomycosis; ringworm of the nails)
- Tinea cruris (ringworm of the thigh)
- Tinea barbae (barber’s itch)
Griseofulvin inhibits the growth of those genera of fungi that commonly cause ringworm infections of the hair, skin, and nails, such as:
- Trichophyton rubrum
- Trichophyton tonsurans
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Trichophyton interdigitalis
- Trichophyton verrucosum
- Trichophyton sulphureum
- Trichophyton schoenleini
- Microsporum audouini
- Microsporum canis
- Microsporum gypseum
- Epidermophyton floccosum
- Trichophyton megnini
- Trichophyton gallinae
- Trichophyton crateriform
Note: Prior to therapy, the type of fungi responsible for the infection should be identified. The use of the drug is not justified in minor or trivial infections which will respond to topical anti-fungal agents alone.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
Dosage
Medication must be continued until the infecting organism is completely eradicated as indicated by appropriate clinical or laboratory examination. Representative treatment periods are tinea capitis, 4 to 6 weeks; tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks; tinea pedis, 4 to 8 weeks; tinea unguium- depending on rate of growth- fingernails, at least 4 months; toenails, at least 6months.
General measures in regard to hygiene should be observed to control sources of infection or reinfection. Concomitant use of appropriate topical agents is usually required, particularly in treatment of tinea pedis since in some forms of athlete’s foot, yeasts and bacteria may be involved. Griseofulvin will not eradicate the bacterial or monilial infection.
Adults: A daily dose of 500 mg will give a satisfactory response in most patients with tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea capitis. For those fungus infections more difficult to eradicate such as tinea pedis and tinea unguium, a daily dose of 1.0 gm is recommended.
Children: Approximately 5 mg per pound of body weight per day is an effective dose for most children. On this basis the following dosage schedule for children is suggested:
- Children weighing 30 to 50 pounds: 125 mg to 250 mg daily.
- Children weighing over 50 pounds: 250 mg to 500 mg daily.
Administration
Interaction
The concomitant administration of griseofulvin has been reported to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives and to increase the incidence of breakthrough bleeding.
Contraindications
Two cases of conjoined twins have been reported in patients taking griseofulvin during the first trimester of pregnancy. Griseofulvin should not be prescribed to pregnant patients.
Side Effects
Proteinuria and leukopenia have been reported rarely. Administration of the drug should be discontinued if granulocytopenia occurs. When rare, serious reactions occur with griseofulvin, they are usually associated with high dosages, long periods of therapy, or both.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Precautions
Since griseofulvin is derived from species of penicillin, the possibility of cross sensitivity with penicillin exists; however, known penicillin-sensitive patients have been treated without difficulty.
Since a photosensitivity reaction is occasionally associated with griseofulvin therapy, patients should be warned to avoid exposure to intense natural or artificial sunlight. Should a photosensitivity reaction occur, lupus erythematosus may be aggravated.
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