Griseofulvin

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Also indexed as: Fulcin, Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Gris-PEG, Grisactin, Grisovin, Gristatin

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug used to treat ringworm infections of the skin, hair, and nails caused by specific fungi.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better.	Vitamin E*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vitamin E
Adding 50 IU of vitamin E per day was reported to increase blood levels of this drug within four weeks in children, allowing the drug dose to be halve. Reducing the amount of griseofulvin should decrease the likelihood of side effects. This evidence is preliminary, so people taking griseofulvin should not supplement vitamin E on their own but may wish to discuss this matter with their doctor.¹

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Food, especially with high fat content, increases griseofulvin absorption.² It is recommended to take griseofulvin with food to maximise absorption of the drug. People on low-fat diets who are taking griseofulvin should talk with their doctor or chemist.

Alcohol
Alcohol may interact with griseofulvin causing a reaction marked by facial flushing, headache, light-headedness, nausea, and breathlessness.³ To prevent unwanted reactions, people should avoid alcohol-containing products during griseofulvin therapy.

References

1. Anonymous. Vitamin E boosts griseofulvin. Mycol Observer Nov/Dec 1990:8.

2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 124.

3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 123–4.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.