Griseofulvin

Before taking griseofulvin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy or less alert. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or much less alert. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. 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 fast heartbeat and flushing of the skin. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using griseofulvin. Griseofulvin may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 month after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. (See also Drug Interactions section.)

The effects of this drug on human sperm are unknown. However, based on animal cell studies, the manufacturer recommends waiting for a period of time after completing griseofulvin treatment before trying to father a child. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and ask how long to wait after your last dose before trying to father a child.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), warfarin.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use reliable backup birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, complete blood count) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to control the infection and to prevent re-infection. Fungus spreads easily in warm, moist areas. Follow good hygiene (for example wash and dry the infected area completely, and do not share articles of clothing or objects that come in contact with the infected area).

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. For the best absorption, it is best taken with or after a meal containing a moderate amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about specific dietary instructions, especially if you are on a low-fat diet.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have. It may take several weeks to months to complete treatment for infections of the scalp, feet, and body. Nail infections may require several months to a year or longer to treat.

Antifungal medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, tiredness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, trouble doing normal activities), hearing changes, butterfly-shaped facial rash (around the nose and cheeks), joint/muscle pain, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, frothy urine), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills).

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.