Home Drug Guide Griseofulvin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Griseofulvin

Brand Names Grisactin, Grifulvin V

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Antimitotic agent

FDA Approved Indications

  • Dermatophyte infections of the skin, hair, and nails

Mechanism of Action

Griseofulvin binds to fungal microtubules, disrupting mitosis and inhibiting fungal cell division, thereby exerting antifungal effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 500 mg to 1000 mg daily in divided doses; duration varies based on infection severity and site.

Pediatric: Dosage generally 6-12 mg/kg/day divided into 1-2 doses, depending on age and weight.

Geriatric: Use with caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary due to potential hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be required.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; hepatic function should be monitored.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorption is variable; food increases absorption.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues, especially keratin-containing tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver, primarily via hydroxylation.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces as unchanged drug and metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 9-25 hours, but can be prolonged in hepatic impairment.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to griseofulvin or any component of the formulation.
  • Active liver disease.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or in pregnant women due to potential teratogenicity.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Headache (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) (Common)
  • Rash or hypersensitivity reactions (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Leukopenia, eosinophilia, or other hematologic abnormalities (Rare)
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Cyclosporine (may increase levels)
  • Hepatotoxic drugs (caution)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor hepatic function, complete blood count, and renal function periodically.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk of hepatic injury
  • Impaired skin integrity related to fungal infection

Implementation: Administer with high-fat meal to enhance absorption; advise patient to avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs.

Evaluation: Assess resolution of fungal infection and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication with food for better absorption.
  • Complete the full course of therapy.
  • Report symptoms of hepatotoxicity (jaundice, dark urine), rash, or severe dizziness.
  • Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic substances during therapy.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential teratogenicity—avoid during pregnancy.
  • Hepatotoxicity—monitor liver enzymes.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: May cause elevated liver enzymes, which should be interpreted with caution.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, allergic reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote. Seek immediate medical attention.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.