What is Gris-PEG(Griseofulvin)
Gris-PEG(Griseofulvin) is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungi.Gris-PEG(Griseofulvin) is used to treat ringworm and fungal infections of the scalp, skin, or nails. Gris-PEG may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.
Health Benefits of Gris-PEG(Griseofulvin)
Gris-PEG(Griseofulvin) has a number of potential health benefits, including:
1. Reducing the risk of fungal infections: Gris-PEG can help reduce the risk of developing fungal infections by killing fungi and preventing their growth.
2. Treating ringworm: Gris-PEG is often used as a treatment for ringworm, a common fungal infection of the skin. It can help clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.
3. Treating fungal infections of the nails: Gris-PEG may also be effective in treating fungal infections of the nails. In some cases, it can help clear up the infection and prevent it from coming back.
4. Preventing fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems: Gris-PEG can help prevent serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or who are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
5. reducing inflammation: Some research suggests that Gris-PEG may help reduce inflammation. This may be beneficial for conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
6. relieving symptoms of certain viral infections: Gris-PEG has been shown to reduce symptoms of certain viral infections, including cold sores and shingles.
7. fighting certain types of cancer: Gris-PEG may help fight against certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
8. promoting wound healing: Gris-PEG may promote wound healing by helping to form new blood vessels and collagen.
9. reducing the risk of heart disease: Gris-PEG may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
10. improving cognitive function: Gris-PEG may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Side Effects & Safety
When taken by mouth:Griseofulvin is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth. However, it can cause some side effects including headache, upset stomach, and diarrhea. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you experience these or other side effects, talk to your doctor.
When applied to the skin:Griseofulvin is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin in small amounts for short periods of time. It can cause skin irritation and redness.
Dosages for Griseofulvin
The recommended dosage for griseofulvin depends on the indication being treated, as well as the age and weight of the patient. In general, the recommended dosage range is 250-500 mg daily.
For the treatment of ringworm, the usual dose is 250-500 mg daily for 4-6 weeks.
For the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp, skin, or nails, the usual dose is 500 mg daily for 2-6 weeks.
For the prevention of fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, the usual dose is 500 mg daily.
Interactions
Griseofulvin can interact with some other medications. If you are taking any other medications, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
Some of the other medications that can interact with griseofulvin include:
1. Blood thinners:Griseofulvin can increase the effects of blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin). If you are taking a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
2. Medications that suppress the immune system:Griseofulvin can increase the effects of immunosuppressant medications. If you are taking an immunosuppressant medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
3. Birth control pills:Griseofulvin can make birth control pills less effective. If you are taking birth control pills, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin. You may need to use a backup form of birth control while you are taking griseofulvin.
4. Antidepressants:Griseofulvin can interact with some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil). If you are taking an antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
5. seizure medications:Griseofulvin can increase the effects of seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). If you are taking a seizure medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
6. barbiturate medications:Griseofulvin can interact with barbiturate medications, such as phenobarbital. If you are taking a barbiturate medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
7. cholesterol-lowering medications:Griseofulvin can interact with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor). If you are taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
8. HIV/AIDS medications:Griseofulvin can interact with some HIV/AIDS medications, such as ritonavir (Norvir). If you are taking an HIV/AIDS medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
9. Cancer chemotherapy medications:Griseofulvin can interact with some cancer chemotherapy medications, such as vincristine (Oncovin) and vinblastine (Velban). If you are taking a cancer chemotherapy medication, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
10. Other medications:Griseofulvin can also interact with other medications, such as the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and the antifungal medication ketoconazole (Nizoral). If you are taking any other medications, talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin.
Mechanism of Action
Griseofulvin works by interfering with the production of fungal cell walls. This action prevents the fungus from growing and spreading.
Pharmacokinetics
Griseofulvin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized in the liver. It is then excreted in the urine and feces. The half-life of griseofulvin is 8-12 hours.
Alternatives to Griseofulvin
There are several alternatives to griseofulvin. Some of these alternatives include:
1. clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
2. ketoconazole (Nizoral)
3. miconazole (Micatin)
4. terbinafine (Lamisil)
5. fluconazole (Diflucan)
6. itraconazole (Sporanox)
7. ciclopirox (Loprox)
8. econazole (Spectazole)
9. oxiconazole (Oxistat)
10. naftifine (Naftin)
If you are looking for an alternative to griseofulvin, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you choose the best medication for you.
Clinical Trials
The efficacy of griseofulvin has been evaluated in several clinical trials. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving patients with tinea capitis, griseofulvin was found to be more effective than placebo in treating the condition.
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving patients with tinea cruris, griseofulvin was found to be more effective than placebo in treating the condition.
