Griseofulvin

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Also indexed as:

Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Gris-PEG, Grisactin, Gristatin

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug used to treat ringworm infections of the skin, hair, and nails caused by specific fungi.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Griseofulvin

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	Vitamin E*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Vitamin E

Adding 50 IU of vitamin E per day was reported to increase blood levels of this drug within four weeks in children, allowing the drug dose to be cut in half. Reducing the amount of griseofulvin should decrease the likelihood of side effects. This evidence is preliminary, so people taking griseofulvin should not supplement vitamin E on their own but may wish to discuss this matter with their doctor.¹

Other Interactions

Food

Food, especially with high fat content, increases griseofulvin absorption.² It is recommended to take griseofulvin with food to maximize absorption of the drug. People on low-fat diets who are taking griseofulvin should talk with their doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol

Alcohol may interact with griseofulvin causing a reaction marked by facial flushing, headache, light-headedness, nausea, and breathlessness.³ To prevent unwanted reactions, people should avoid alcohol-containing products during griseofulvin therapy.

References

1. Anonymous. Vitamin E boosts griseofulvin. Mycol Observer Nov/Dec 1990:8.
2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 124.
3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 123-4.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.

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