What is griseofulvin used to treat?

Griseofulvin is used to treat skin infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm; and fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, and toenails. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Griseofulvin oral tablet comes with several warnings.

Griseofulvin can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

This drug may make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. You should not drink alcohol while you’re taking this drug. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.

For people with porphyria (a genetic blood disease): You should not take this drug. It can make your condition worse.

For people with liver problems: This drug can make your condition worse. If you have liver failure, you should not take this drug. If you’re taking other drugs that can cause liver issues, you’re at increased risk of liver problems from this drug. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.

For people with lupus: This drug may make your condition worse. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.

For pregnant women: Griseofulvin is a category X pregnancy drug. Category X drugs should never be used during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should not take any form of griseofulvin.

Men taking this drug should not get a woman pregnant. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant or get a woman pregnant while taking this drug. Men should use reliable birth control during treatment and for 6 months after stopping treatment with this drug. Women of childbearing age should use reliable birth control throughout treatment with this drug.

For women who are breastfeeding: Griseofulvin may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For children: This drug has not been established as safe and effective in children 2 years of age and younger. In addition, safety has not been established in children older than 2 years of age at dosages greater than 10 mg/kg daily.