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What Is Griseofulvin?

Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal medicine used for infections caused by dermatophytes. It can treat certain fungal infections of the skin, scalp, and nails. A clinician may prescribe it when a topical treatment is unsuitable or has not worked.

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What Is Griseofulvin?

Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal medicine used for infections caused by dermatophytes. It can treat certain fungal infections of the skin, scalp, and nails. A clinician may prescribe it when a topical treatment is unsuitable or has not worked.

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How Griseofulvin Works

Griseofulvin interferes with fungal cell division. It also becomes incorporated into newly formed skin, hair, and nails. Treatment continues while infected tissue is replaced by healthy growth.

How to Take Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin comes as tablets, capsules, and an oral liquid. Take the prescribed formulation and dose for the full treatment period. Nail infections can require a longer course than skin or scalp infections.

Possible Side Effects

Headache, stomach upset, diarrhea, and dizziness can occur. Griseofulvin may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Contact your clinician promptly for a rash, fever, or symptoms that could signal a liver problem.

Precautions and Interactions

Griseofulvin should not be used during pregnancy and may reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception. Tell your clinician about liver disease, porphyria, and every medicine you take. The infection should be identified as one caused by a fungus that griseofulvin treats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Griseofulvin

Does griseofulvin treat all fungal infections?

No. It is used for certain dermatophyte infections and does not treat every type of fungus.

How long is griseofulvin treatment?

The course depends on the infected area and the formulation prescribed. Nail infections can take months of treatment.

Can I stop griseofulvin when the rash improves?

Do not stop it without speaking to your prescriber. Symptoms can improve before the prescribed course is complete.

Does griseofulvin interact with birth control?

It may reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception. Discuss another method of pregnancy prevention with your clinician.

References

Griseofulvin. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682295.html. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Griseofulvin. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537323/. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Griseofulvin (oral route) - Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/griseofulvin-oral-route/description/drg-20064116. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Griseofulvin Capsules or Tablets: Uses & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20461-griseofulvin-tablets-or-capsules. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Ringworm (scalp) - Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354924. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.