Grifulvin V (Generic)

Generic Grifulvin V is used to treat infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, or toenails.

The drug binds to tubulin, interfering with microtubule function, thus inhibiting mitosis.  It binds to keratin in keratin precursor cells and makes them resistant to fungal infections. It is only when hair or skin is replaced by the keratin-griseofulvin complex that the drug reaches its site of action. Griseofulvin will then enter the dermatophyte through energy dependent transport processes and bind to fungal microtubules. This alters the processing for mitosis and also underlying information for deposition of fungal cell walls.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Griseofulvin works best if you take it with foods that are high in fat.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Griseofulvin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you use this medication long-term, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, flu symptoms;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• confusion, trouble with daily activities;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling;

Less serious side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness, feeling tired;;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• confusion;
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or
• menstrual irregularities.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You should not use griseofulvin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• liver failure;
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
• if you are pregnant.

To make sure you can safely take griseofulvin, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• lupus; or
• an allergy to penicillin.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether griseofulvin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether griseofulvin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

birth control pills;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with griseofulvin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.