Prophylactic Usage - Safety and efficacy of griseofulvin for prophylaxis of fungal infections have not been established.

Usage in Pregnancy - see CONTRAINDICATIONS section.

Animal Reproduction Studies - It has been reported in the literature that griseofulvin was found to be embryotoxic and teratogenic on oral administration to pregnant rats. Pups with abnormalities have been reported in the litters of a few bitches treated with griseofulvin. Suppression of spermatogenesis has been reported to occur in rats, but investigation in man failed to confirmthis.

Patients on prolonged therapy with any potent medication should be under close observation. Periodic monitoring of organ systemfunction, including renal, hepatic and hematopoietic, should be done. Since griseofulvin is derived fromspecies of Penicillium, the possibility of cross-sensitivity with penicillin exists; however, known penicillin-sensitive patients have been treated without difficulty. Since a photosensitivity reaction is occasionally associated with griseofulvin therapy, patients should be warned to avoid exposure to intense natural or artificial sunlight. Lupus erythematosus or lupus-like syndromes have been reported in patients receiving griseofulvin. Griseofulvin decreases the activity of warfarin-type anticoagulants so that patients receiving these drugs concomitantly may require dosage adjustment of the anticoagulant during and after griseofulvin therapy. Barbiturates usually depress griseofulvin activity and concomitant administration may require a dosage adjustment of the antifungal agent. There have been reports in the literature of possible interactions between griseofulvin and oral contraceptives. The effect of alcohol may be potentiated by griseofulvin, producing such effects as tachycardia and flush.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/18/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.