MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



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, fingernails and toenails.

HOW TO USE: Take as directed by mouth. It is best taken with a meal containing a moderate amount of fat. It may take from several days to several months to complete treatment. This depends upon the type and location of the infection. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to continue, resulting in a return of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, nausea, gas, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or increased sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn-like effect) may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: yellowing of eyes or skin, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), soreness of the mouth or tongue, mental/mood changes, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood disorder (porphyria), severe liver disease (hepatic failure). Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking this drug unless your doctor gives permission. Drinking alcohol during treatment with this drug could result in a rapid heart rate and flushing of the skin. Griseofulvin may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn-like effect). Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Use of a reliable form of birth control is recommended during treatment with griseofulvin and for one month after the drug is stopped. If you are planning to become pregnant within one month after treatment, the manufacturer recommends avoiding this drug. Due to potential harmful effects on human sperm, the manufacturer recommends that males wait at least six months after completing griseofulvin treatment before attempting to father a child. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Fungal Nails - Read about fungal fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis, tinea unguium). Discover the causes, symptoms, signs, treatment (topical medicine) and prevention of discolored nails.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright



Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



griseofulvin-oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg, Grisactin

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. 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 from trauma (like whacking yourself o...

Read the Fungal Nails article »




Top 1
griseofulvin-oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg, Grisactin Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.