Griseofulvin is a drug that was developed in 1939 in Oxford. It’s used to treat fungal infections, especially within the hair and nails; it’s subsequently considered an antifungal. Even though it’s available in several types of administration, the oral route is probably the most common.
This has a bonus in effectiveness over other antifungal drugs, nevertheless, it also carries certain risks. For that reason, it ought to be used with caution, especially if you happen to are taking other medications or supplements. We let you know every part you should learn about it. Read on!
What’s griseofulvin used for?
Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug. Which means it’s intended to treat infections attributable to fungi. For instance, ringworm, which might be attributable to different species (fungi of the genera Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton).
It’s marketed in alternative ways from country to country. Each generic and brand-name drugs can be found (probably the most typical is Fulcin®). On this case, the target is to treat infections affecting the hair, nails, or skin.
How does it work?
Griseofulvin stops infections attributable to certain fungi. Its mechanism of motion is to stop the fungus from multiplying and spreading to recent cells.
It does so by destroying certain structures of the fungus which are involved in cell division. Specifically, it inhibits the mitosis of the fungus by destroying cell microtubules.
The drug is deposited within the cells of the body which are chargeable for synthesizing keratin. These are present within the skin, nails, and hair. These are the places where it exerts its antifungal motion.
Its effects are often felt between the second and fourth day of treatment. Nonetheless, a complete cure of the infection may take weeks or months. This varies depending on the situation and extent of the fungus.
It’s administered orally since it’s absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. The drug has a half-life in blood of about 24 hours. Afterwards, it’s metabolized within the liver and eliminated through urine and feces.
Precautions before using griseofulvin
As with some other medication, there are specific features to remember before taking griseofulvin. To start with, some individuals are allergic to this substance. Due to this fact, it’s possible that a severe allergic response may occur.
If so, symptoms include swelling of the throat, difficulty respiratory, in addition to hives and other manifestations. Airway obstruction might be life-threatening. It’s essential to go to the emergency room if this happens.
Then again, the drug may interact with quite a few substances. One in all them is alcohol. It might probably make the person more sensitive to the consequences of alcohol, resulting in a better risk of intoxication.
Precautions if you may have certain diseases
Griseofulvin can aggravate or complicate some pathologies. Because it’s metabolized within the liver, it shouldn’t be administered to individuals with liver failure or cirrhosis.
The identical applies to people affected by systemic lupus erythematosus, or porphyria. The latter is a genetic disease that affects the blood. In each conditions, administration of this drug may cause a worsening of symptoms.
Other warnings about griseofulvin
It isn’t really useful for pregnant women, women who’ve just given birth, or women who’re breastfeeding. While pregnant, the drug may cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
Within the case of breastfeeding, it seems to pass into the breast milk. Due to this fact, it’s advisable to contact a physician before starting this treatment. It shouldn’t be utilized in children under two years of age, as there’s no evidence of its safety, dosage, and efficacy.
Possible unwanted side effects of griseofulvin
Griseofulvin, like several other drug, isn’t freed from unwanted side effects. They don’t at all times appear, but they ought to be taken into consideration. Furthermore, there are some which are more frequent than others. We explain these in the next sections.
Common unwanted side effects
Common side effects include skin rashes, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness can also occur.
Some people experience numbness or tingling within the extremities. Fungal infections within the mouth may even occur. Finally, it has been found to cause headaches, confusion, and insomnia.
Unwanted effects of concern
Although less common, some people experience unwanted side effects of greater concern. One in all these we’ve noted before – severe allergic reactions. These are also called anaphylaxis. This ought to be treated urgently.
In excess amounts, or in sensitive patients, liver damage is feasible. When this happens, tiredness and weakness may appear. Jaundice, lack of appetite, and stomach pain are also common. Similarly, bruising is prone to occur more easily (attributable to impaired clotting).
Interaction with other medications
One other vital thing to concentrate on is that it could actually interact with other medications. In keeping with a publication by Mayo Clinic, it can also interact with vitamin or herbal supplements. It might lead to toxic effects or prevent the drugs from being effective.
Drug interactions
When it interacts with other drugs, this drug often decreases the effectiveness of those drugs. It’s because it causes the liver to metabolize them faster. Consequently, the presence of those drugs within the body decreases they usually fail to work properly.
To start with, it could actually affect contraception pills. When a lady is treated with griseofulvin, it’s really useful that she use other contraceptive methods. For instance, barrier methods. If not, she could grow to be pregnant. Other drugs with which interactions occur are the next:
- Warfarin. It’s an anticoagulant used to stop cardiovascular events, resembling thromboembolism or heart attacks.
- Salicylates, resembling aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
- Cyclosporine.
- Certain barbiturates, resembling phenobarbital.
Recommendations for the usage of griseofulvin
With a view to use this drug accurately, it’s vital to know the way to administer it and the really useful dosage. In keeping with a publication of the University of Navarra Clinic, this may vary depending on the patient.
It ought to be the physician who chooses probably the most appropriate dose in keeping with age, infection, and other influential aspects. The oral dose normally utilized in adults varies from 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours. Also, 125 milligrams every 6 hours might be administered.
Treatment ought to be maintained until the infection is totally eradicated. This may increasingly take weeks or months.
If it’s a head moth (scalp infection), higher doses could also be really useful. Also, if the infection is on the skin, less treatment time is generally required. Then again, if it’s io the nails, it’s normally prolonged for as much as six months.
Children should take 10 milligrams per kilogram per day. In these cases, the gram of griseofulvin per day shouldn’t be exceeded. As in adults, it could actually be taken once every 12 hours or once a day.
It’s really useful to take the drug after eating foods wealthy in fats. For instance, after eating whole milk or cheese. The rationale is that fats improve its intestinal absorption.
What to recollect
Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug. Like every other medication, it ought to be taken with caution, because it isn’t without unwanted side effects. As well as, it can interact with other substances and medications.
Due to this fact, it should at all times be prescribed by a physician. Likewise, it’s essential that the physician knows about any medication the patient is taking, in addition to their medical history. That is the one technique to prevent complications.
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