Health Library

Griseofulvin (By mouth)

Griseofulvin (gris-ee-oh-FUL-vin)

Treats various types of fungus infections such as ringworm, "jock itch," and athlete's foot. Belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals.

Brand Name(s):

Gris-PEG

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.
• You may swallow the tablets whole or sprinkle the crushed tablets in one tablespoonful of applesauce. Swallow it immediately without chewing.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Keep yourself clean to help control infection and prevent reinfection.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), or birth control pills.
• Birth control pills with estrogen may not work as well while taking griseofulvin. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control along with your birth control pills. Other forms include condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, lupus erythematosus, or lupus-like diseases.
• Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach; pale stools; dark urine; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Cloudy urine.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
• White spots on the tongue or inside the cheeks.
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach upset.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
• Tiredness.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024