Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin treats fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails. Finish all of your medication, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, to ensure your infection is treated.

Griseofulvin Overview

Reviewed: September 28, 2013
Updated: 

Griseofulvin is a prescription medication 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 belongs to a group of drugs called antifungals. It works by inhibiting the growth of certain fungi that cause infection.

Griseofulvin comes in tablet and suspension forms. It is usually taken once daily, but can be taken up to 4 times daily. Although symptoms may get better in a few days griseofulvin is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks for skin infections, 4 to 6 weeks for hair and scalp infections, 4 to 8 weeks for foot infections, at least 4 months for fingernail infections, and at least 6 months for toenail infections.

Common side effects include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Griseofulvin may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

How was your experience with Griseofulvin?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Griseofulvin?

What are you taking Griseofulvin for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Tinea Capitis
  • Tinea Pedis

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Griseofulvin work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Griseofulvin to a friend?

Uses of Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following ringworm infections:

  • tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
  • tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
  • tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin and thigh) 
  • tinea barbae (barber's itch)
  • tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
  • tinea unguium (onychomycosis, ringworm of the nails)

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Griseofulvin Brand Names

Griseofulvin may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Griseofulvin Drug Class

Griseofulvin is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Griseofulvin

Common side effects include:

  • oral thrush
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • mental confusion
  • impairment of performance of routine activities

This is not a complete list of griseofulvin side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.