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griseofulvin - oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Pe

GENERIC NAME: GRISEOFULVIN - ORAL TABLET (GRISS-ee-oh-FULL-vin)

BRAND NAME(S): Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg, Grisactin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that do not respond to creams/lotions. Clearing such infections will get rid of symptoms such as itching, red/peeling/scaly skin, and discolored nails. This medication works by stopping the growth of fungi. It does not treat infections due to bacteria or yeast.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. For the best absorption, it is best taken with or after a meal containing a moderate amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about specific dietary instructions, especially if you are on a low-fat diet.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on weight. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have. It may take several weeks to months to complete treatment for infections of the scalp, feet, and body. Nail infections may require several months to a year or longer to treat.Antifungal medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue to take this medication for the full prescribed length of treatment even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, tiredness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, trouble doing normal activities), sunburn-like rash, hearing changes, butterfly-shaped facial rash (around the nose and cheeks), joint/muscle pain.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark/frothy urine, change in the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.




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Suggested Reading on griseofulvin - oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Pe by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Ringworm
      • The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
    • Fungal Nails
      • Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis starts as a discolored area at the nail's corner and slowly spread toward the cuticle. In proximal subungal onychomycosis, the infection starts at the cuticle and spreads toward the nail tip. Yeast onychomycosis is caused by Candida and may be the most common cause of fungal fingernail.
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griseofulvin - oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Pe

What other conditions can be mistaken for fungal nails?

Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:

  1. Lines and ridges: These are common and may be considered normal. They may worsen during pregnancy. A large groove down the center of the nail can be caused by nail biting.
  2. Senile nails: As you age, the nails become brittle, develop ridges and separation of the nail layers at the end of the nail. Try to avoid cleaning solutions, and don't soak the nails in water to avoid worsening of the problem.
  3. Whitish or yellowish nails due to onycholysis. This means separation of the nail from the nail bed. The color you see is air beneath the nail. The treatment is to trim the nail short, don't clean under it, polish if you want to hide the color, and wait two to three months.
  4. Red or black nails due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually occur from trauma ...

Read the Fungal Nails article »




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