Sometimes, fungal infections on our skin, nails, or hair take a while to heal, don't they? In cases like these, which are difficult to treat with just a regular cream, your doctor may prescribe a pill or syrup for you to take. Griseofulvin is one such drug that works from within the body to treat fungal infections.
What is Griseofulvin?
Simply put, Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication. It works by attaching itself to the new skin, nail, and hair cells in our bodies, preventing the fungus from growing there. This means that this medication fights fungal infections from within the body.
That's why doctors sometimes recommend continuing to use this medication for weeks or even months. This treatment is necessary until new, healthy skin, nails, or hair have fully grown in and the infected area is gone.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Griseofulvin, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver-related condition.
- Porphyria: This is a rare blood disorder.
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE): This is a disease related to the immune system.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Griseofulvin, penicillin, or other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Griseofulvin is not suitable during pregnancy.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Don't ignore these as minor things. It is essential for your safety to tell your doctor all these details.
How should I use the medicine?
The most important thing is to follow the instructions your doctor gives you exactly as they are given.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- This medicine is best absorbed with food, especially a meal with a little fat . For example, it is best to take it with a little milk, yogurt, or a slice of buttered bread. However, if your doctor advises otherwise, do so.
- Take the medicine at the scheduled time, according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor.
- The most important thing is to take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine halfway, the infection may come back.
- If you are giving this medicine to your child, follow the pediatrician's instructions exactly.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with Griseofulvin
If you are taking medication for another condition, you should tell your doctor about it as well, as some medications can interact with Griseofulvin.
- Aspirin and similar painkillers
- Barbiturate drugs used for sleep or epilepsy
- Cyclosporine
- Female hormones, for example, birth control pills and other hormone treatments
- Blood thinners like Warfarin
This list is not complete, so please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Protect yourself from the sun: Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive) while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen.
- Be careful with birth control pills: This is very important. Birth control pills may be less effective when you take Griseofulvin. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional method of birth control (such as condoms) while you are taking this medication and for a month after you stop.
- Medical tests: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by the doctor. He may also order blood tests to check the effectiveness of the medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medications, there is a small chance of side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's good to be aware of them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you notice these symptoms, you should tell your doctor immediately. These are serious side effects: | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itchy rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Skin and eyes | Yellowing of the skin or eyes, redness of the skin, blistering, or peeling of the skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden fever, difficulty breathing, dark urine, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, numbness in the limbs, mouth sores. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist: | |
| Digestive system | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
| Other minor features | Headache , dizziness , difficulty sleeping. |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the bottle or packet tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give your medicine to others, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Only a doctor can determine the right medicine and dosage for each person.
Take-Home Message
- Griseofulvin is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. It is important to take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any medical conditions you have, such as liver disease, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Protect yourself from strong sunlight while taking this medication, as your skin may be sensitive to sunlight.
- If you are using birth control pills, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control while taking Griseofulvin.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as skin blistering, yellowing of the eyes, or fever, contact your doctor immediately .
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