Griseofulvin is a type of benzofuran antifungals. It is indicated to treat different types of nail infections and tinea infections (except tinea versicolor), such as tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea barbae, and tinea capitis.
Griseofulvin is taken orally as tablets. The 125mg/250mg-formulation is classified as ultramicrosize tablets, while the 500mg-formulation is classified as microsize tablets. Their dosages are different due to differences in absorption so do not mix the use of 125mg/250mg tablets with 500mg tablets.
Listed below are the indications and the dosages.
Tinea corporis:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks, up to 750-1000mg.
Ultramicrosize: 375 mg/day in single or divided doses for 2-4 weeks.
Tinea cruris:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily, up to 750-1000mg, until infections cured.
Ultramicrosize: 375 mg/day in single or divided doses until infections cured.
Tinea capitis:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily for 4-6 weeks, up to 750-1000mg.
Ultramicrosize: 375 mg/day in single or divided doses for 4-6 weeks.
Tinea pedis:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks, up to 750-1000mg.
Ultramicrosize: 375-750 mg/day in single or divided doses for 4-8 weeks.
Fingernails fungal infections:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily for at least 4 months, up to 750-1000mg.
Ultramicrosize: 375-750 mg/day in single / divided doses for at least 4 months.
Toenails fungal infections:
Microsize: 500 mg once daily for at least 6 months, up to 750-1000mg.
Ultramicrosize: 375-750 mg/day in single / divided doses for at least 6 months.
Common dosing schedule:
Griseofulvin should be taken with a fatty meal to increase absorption.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Griseofulvin may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Griseofulvin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Griseofulvin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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