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Griseofulvina para infecciones por hongos

Griseofulvin is prescribed to treat fungal infections.

A course of treatment may last from a few weeks to several months.

Griseofulvin may harm an unborn child - you must avoid getting pregnant or fathering a child.

The most common side-effects are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.

At a glance

  • Griseofulvin is an antifungal medicine, mainly used for fungal skin or scalp infections.

  • Take griseofulvin after food, exactly as your doctor tells you.

  • Treatment can last from a few weeks to several months and must continue for two weeks after clearance.

  • It reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraception, so discuss suitable alternatives with your doctor.

  • Avoid pregnancy or fathering a child during treatment and for a period afterwards.

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

  • Some people find their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight.

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About griseofulvin

Tipo de medicamento

Antifungal

Usado para

Infecciones por hongos

Disponible como

Tabletsand oral liquid medicine

Griseofulvin is a medicine which is used to treat fungal infections. It is mainly prescribed for infections occurring on the skin or scalp. It is prescribed in particular for an infection called scalp ringworm (also called tinea capitis). It is also used to treat some infecciones de uñas, especially when other more frequently prescribed treatments are not suitable for some reason.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking griseofulvin it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si estás embarazada, intentando concebir o amamantando.

  • Si tienes problemas con el funcionamiento de tu hígado.

  • If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Griseofulvin can make this condition worse.

  • Si tienes un trastorno sanguíneo hereditario raro llamado porfiria.

  • Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

  • If you, or your partner, are using hormonal methods of contraception ('the pill').

  • Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

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  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about griseofulvin and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

  • Take griseofulvin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose for adults is 500-1000 mg each day. This can often be taken as a single daily dose, although your doctor may recommend that you take it divided into smaller doses spaced throughout the day. Doses for children depend upon the weight of the child. Children may be prescribed low-strength (125 mg) tablets to take, or oral liquid medicine.

  • Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. It is important that you take your doses of griseofulvin after a meal or snack. This is because the presence of food in your stomach helps your body to absorb the medicine properly.

  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one.

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Treatment with griseofulvin may last from a few weeks to several months. It is important that you continue to take it until the infection has completely cleared, and then for a further two weeks afterwards.

  • If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about drinking whilst taking griseofulvin. Griseofulvin can increase the effects of alcohol and may not be recommended for you.

  • You must avoid getting pregnant or fathering a child while you are taking griseofulvin. In addition, women should avoid getting pregnant for at least a month after the treatment has finished, and men should avoid fathering a child for at least six months afterwards.

  • Make sure you discuss with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. This is particularly important if you normally rely on hormonal contraception ('the pill'), as griseofulvin reduces its effectiveness.

  • If you buy or take any over-the-counter medicines, check with your doctor or a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with griseofulvin.

  • A few people taking griseofulvin find that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Protect your skin from bright sunlight until you know how your skin reacts, and do not use sunbeds.

  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking griseofulvin.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with griseofulvin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Griseofulvin side-effects

¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto?

Sentirse mal (náuseas) o estar enfermo (vómitos), diarrea

Eat simple meals - avoid rich or spicy food. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid

Dolor de cabeza

Bebe mucha agua y pide a tu farmacéutico que te recomiende un analgésico adecuado. Si los dolores de cabeza continúan, consulta a tu médico

Sintiéndose somnoliento o adormilado

No conduzca ni utilice herramientas o máquinas hasta que se sienta mejor. No consuma alcohol

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse a este medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico.

  • Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

  • Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.

Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.

No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.

Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna

Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

verificador de síntomas

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?

Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is griseofulvin typically used for?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medicine primarily used for fungal infections on the skin or scalp, particularly scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). It can also be used for some nail infections, especially when other common treatments aren't suitable.

How long will I need to take griseofulvin?

The duration of treatment with griseofulvin can vary, lasting from a few weeks to several months. It's crucial to continue taking the medicine until the infection has completely cleared, and then for an additional two weeks afterwards, as advised by your doctor.

Are there any specific instructions for taking griseofulvin with food?

Yes, it is important to take your doses of griseofulvin after a meal or snack. This helps your body absorb the medicine more effectively.

Can I drink alcohol while taking griseofulvin?

You should ask your doctor for advice about consuming alcohol while on griseofulvin. This medicine can increase the effects of alcohol, so it might not be recommended for you.

What should I do if my skin becomes sensitive to sunlight while on this medication?

If you notice your skin becoming more sensitive to sunlight while taking griseofulvin, you should protect your skin from bright sun. It's also advised not to use sunbeds until you understand how your skin reacts to the medication.

What if I miss a dose of griseofulvin?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, you should skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate for the one you missed.

How should I store griseofulvin?

You should keep griseofulvin out of the reach and sight of children. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Helen Allen, MPharm

Pharmacist, Medical Author

MPharm

Helen Allen qualified as a Pharmacist in 1979 and spent 3 years as the drug information leaflets' author for EMIS.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.

  • Siguiente revisión prevista: 12 de julio de 2027
  • 13 Jan 2023 | Última versión

    Última actualización por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por pares por

    Sid Dajani
  • 15 Oct 2013 | Publicado originalmente

    Escrito por:

    Helen Allen, MPharm
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