Griseofulvin
Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal medication used primarily to treat skin, hair, and nail infections caused by dermatophyte fungi, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. It works by accumulating in keratin-containing tissues and inhibiting fungal cell division, making it particularly effective for stubborn tinea infections that don't respond to topical treatments.
Oral antifungal used for dermatophyte infections of skin, hair, and nails.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D01AA08
- RxNorm
- 5021
- Generic
- Griseofulvin
- Class
- atc-d01
- Brands
- Gris-PEG, Fulvicin P/G
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, suspension, capsule, spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - animal studies show fetal toxicity
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed - consider topical alternatives first
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks - consider alternative therapies
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
griseofulvin passes into breast milk - avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
use with caution - typically 10-20mg/kg/day in divided doses, not exceeding 1g daily
monitor liver function and for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific dose adjustment but use with caution
start at lower end of dose range - monitor renal and hepatic function
regular liver function tests and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment required
use with caution - drug is primarily metabolized but some renal excretion
monitor renal function and drug response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose or avoid
use with extreme caution - extensively metabolized in liver
frequent liver function tests and monitoring for hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antifungal medication for systemic treatment of dermatophyte infections
Common uses
FDA-approved indications for Griseofulvin
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Griseofulvin
Treatment of tinea infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea capitis, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and tinea unguium (nail fungus) caused by susceptible dermatophytes.
Griseofulvin binds to tubulin in fungal cells, disrupting the mitotic spindle and inhibiting cell division. It concentrates in keratin-containing tissues, making it particularly effective for infections of skin, hair, and nails.
Requires prolonged treatment duration (weeks to months). May cause photosensitivity, GI upset, and headaches. Contraindicated in pregnancy and severe liver disease. Can interact with warfarin and alcohol. Patients should avoid sun exposure and complete the full course of treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy