Grisovin-FP (Griseofulvin 250mg)

Grisovin-FP general information

What is Grisovin-FP used for?

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg are an oral antifungal medication used to treat tinea infections of the skin and nails that do not respond satisfactorily to topical medications.  Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus also known as ringworm and causes fungal infection including, ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Grisovin-FP is not effective against yeast fungi like candida.  Grisovin-FP helps prevents spread of the fungal infection and relieves symptoms of fungal infection including itching and inflammation.

How does Grisovin-FP work?

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg contain griseofulvin, an antifungal produced by the mould penicillium griseofulvum and used to treat infections by the dermatophyte fungus Tinea.  Griseofulvin in Grisovin-FP binds to tubulin and interferes with microtubule formation, which in turn inhibits normal cell division or mitosis.  Griseofulvin in Grisovin-FP concentrates in the skin and prevents the fungus from dividing but does not kill the fungus.  Inhibiting division of the fungal cells inhibits spread of the infection and this relieves symptoms caused by fungal infection, including, itching, inflammation and scaling of the skin. 

What does Grisovin-FP contain?

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg contains the active ingredient griseofulvin, anti-fungal produced by the mould penicillium griseofulvum and used to treat Tinea infections.

Treating fungal infection with Grisovin-FP

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg contains griseofulvin, an antifungal that is used to treat systemic fungal infections caused by the dermatophyte fungus Tinea.  It is not, however, effective against infections with the yeast candida.  Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus that causes ringworm in various parts of the body, including ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Griseofulvin in Grisovin-FP inhibits normal cell division or mitosis in the fungus, which prevents the fungus from dividing but does not kill the fungus.  Grisovin-FP helps prevents spread of the fungal infection and relieves symptoms of fungal infection including itching and inflammation.

What are the side effects of Grisovin-FP?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg include upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. Other more serious side effects are less common and may include: headache, rash, dizziness, tingling sensations, blurred vison, sensitivity to light, menstrual disturbance, liver disturbance.

When should Grisovin-FP not be used?

You should not use Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg if you:

• are allergic to griseofulvin or any ingredients in Grisovin-FP
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver disease, hepatitis or porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system)
• have inflammatory autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• spend much time out in the sun without protection, as griseofulvin makes skin more sensitive to sunlight
• Taking oral contraceptives as griseofulvin may reduce their effectiveness
• Dink alcohol and griseofulvin interacts with griseofulvin and can result in severe nausea and vomiting
• are taking medicines that interact with Grisovin-FP, including oral contraceptives, the sedative phenobarbital, anticoagulants like warfarin, Antacids and H2 antagonists for reflux.

What medications interact with Grisovin-FP?

Several medications interact with Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Grisovin-FP or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect  Grisovin-FP, Antacids and H2 antagonists for reflux should not be taken for 2 hours after griseofulvin because they might otherwise stop its absorption
• Drugs that are affected by Grisovin-FP to have reduced effectiveness : oral contraceptives, the sedative phenobarbital, anticoagulants like warfarin

How should Grisovin-FP be taken?

You should take your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with food and preferably a high fat meal to help absorption and reduce risk of stomach irritation.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and tour doctor recommendation.  This could be once or twice daily for 2-6 weeks, or longer for up to 18 months. You should continue to take your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Grisovin-FP?

You should continue to take your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Grisovin-FP

If you miss a dose of Grisovin-FP take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Grisovin-FP be stored?

You should store your Grisovin-FP below 25°C in a cool dry place.