1 May 2026Oral drugs
Griseofulvin oral
Griseofulvin guidance for dermatophyte infections of the scalp, skin, and folds, with long-course dosing and pregnancy contraindication.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Antifungal.
Indications
- Dermatophyte infections of the scalp (scalp ringworm).
- Dermatophyte infections of the skin and folds in the event of extended lesions or if topical treatment has failed.
Forms and strengths
- 125 mg and 500 mg tablets.
Dose
- Child 1 to 12 years: 10 to 20 mg/kg once daily, maximum 500 mg daily.
- Child 12 years and over and adult: 500 mg once daily; 1 g once daily in severe infections.
- 1 to < 2 years and 10 to < 13 kg: 1 tablet of 125 mg or 1/4 tablet of 500 mg.
- 2 to < 7 years and 13 to < 24 kg: 2 tablets of 125 mg or 1/2 tablet of 500 mg.
- 7 to < 12 years and 24 to < 35 kg: 4 tablets of 125 mg or 1 tablet of 500 mg.
- >= 12 years and adult, >= 35 kg: 4 to 8 tablets of 125 mg or 1 to 2 tablets of 500 mg.
Duration
- Scalp: minimum 6 weeks.
- Skin and folds: 4 to 6 weeks.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with hepatic impairment, lupus erythematosus, or porphyria.
- May cause gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, skin reactions, and photosensitivity.
- In women, use non-hormonal contraception or injectable medroxyprogesterone during treatment and up to one month after the end of treatment.
- Monitor patients taking warfarin because anticoagulant effect is decreased.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment because of antabuse effect.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: contraindicated.
Dosage
| Age | Weight | 125 mg tablet | 500 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to < 2 years | 10 to < 13 kg | 1 tab | ¼ tab |
| 2 to < 7 years | 13 to < 24 kg | 2 tab | ½ tab |
| 7 to < 12 years | 24 to < 35 kg | 4 tab | 1 tab |
| ≥ 12 years and adult | ≥ 35 kg | 4 to 8 tab | 1 to 2 tab |
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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