Griseofulvin Oral: Dosing, Duration, and Precautions

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