Grisovin-FP (Griseofulvin 250mg) Tablets

Grisovin-FP general information

What is Grisovin-FP used for?

Some fungal infections that strike the surface of the body are caused by a specific type of fungus called Tinea, which can infect the skin, hair, scalp and nails.  These fungal infections can take hold and cause unpleasant symptoms that may not go away using topical treatment with creams and ointments.  Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg are an oral antifungal medication used specifically to treat superficial Tinea fungal infections that do not respond satisfactorily to topical medicines.  They are not effective against other types of fungal infection caused by yeast fungi like candida. 

Tinea and Ringworm

Tinea is a type of fungus known as a dermatophyte that infects the superficial layers of the skin; also hair and nails, living off dead skin cells.  It spreads through the skin by putting out long branches called hyphae, which absorb nutrients from the skin, mainly keratin, a protein found in the top layers of skin. 

Ringworm is another name for tinea, although it has nothing to do with worms.  Ringworm is so-called because the infection causes a ring-shaped circular rash on the surface of the skin that has a red raised outer edge around normal skin, causing irritation and itching.  Also, the hyphae have a worm-like appearance as they spread through the upper surface of the skin.

Fungal infection spreads by direct contact with someone who is infected with the fungus or from an object touched by an infected person such as a towel.  It is easily spread when people gather together, such as in a changing room or a swimming pool. 

Tinea can infect different areas of skin, and the infection is named accordingly:

• tinea corporis – infection of the body
• tinea pedis - infection of the foot, particularly between the toes and this is more commonly known as athlete’s foot
• tinea cruris – infection of the groin area or upper thigh, commonly known as jock itch
• tinea unguium – also called onychomycosis is an infection of the fingernails and toenails

Symptoms

Symptoms of a tinea infection include itching, inflammation, burning, scaling and redness that are caused by the body’s reaction to the fungal infection.

How does Grisovin-FP work?

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg contain griseofulvin, an oral antifungal medication that is produced by the mould penicillium griseofulvin and is used to treat superficial infections caused by the dermatophyte fungus Tinea. 

The antifungal effect of griseofulvin is to stop the fungus from dividing.  It does this by binding to a protein in the fungal cell called tubulin and preventing the formation of microtubules, a structure that is essential for cell division.  This inhibits normal cell division or mitosis and prevents the fungus from spreading, although it does not kill the fungus. 

Griseofulvin in Grisovin-FP concentrates in the skin and is incorporated into a protein called keratin that is found in skin, nails and hair. Griseofulvin is taken up by keratin in new cells as they are formed, and this makes those cells resistant to infection with Tinea.  As old cells that are infected with the fungus die, they fall off and are replaced by the new resistant cells.  This process can take several weeks for griseofulvin to reach the site of infection, which is why ringworm treatment and nail infection treatment with Grisovin-FP tablets do not work quickly and it can take a few weeks before Grisovin-FP is fully effective.  

What does Grisovin-FP contain?

Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg contain the active ingredient griseofulvin, anti-fungal medication that is used to treat Tinea infections.

What are the side effects of Grisovin-FP?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Grisovin-FP include upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, headache. 

Sometimes Grisovin-FP can cause an overgrowth of other fungal infections that are not susceptible to Grisovin-FP and you may need additional treatment.

When should Grisovin-FP not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Grisovin-FP you should consider the following before taking Grisovin-FP:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Grisovin-FP?
• Are you allergic to penicillin, as you may also react to Grisovin-FP?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have any problems with your liver or liver disease like hepatitis?
• Do you have porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system)?
• Do you have the inflammatory autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
• Do you spend much time out in the sun without protection, as griseofulvin makes skin more sensitive to sunlight?
• If you drink alcohol, it interacts with griseofulvin and can result in severe nausea and vomiting?
• If you take oral contraceptives, you may need to use another form of contraceptive while you are takin Grisovin-FP as griseofulvin may reduce their effectiveness
• Grisovin-FP can cause sperm damage, and therefore, a barrier form of contraception should be used while taking Grisovin-FP.  You should not try for a pregnancy for up to 6 months when you stop taking Grisovin-FP

What medications interact with Grisovin-FP?

Some medicines interact with Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Grisovin-FP or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include oral contraceptives, the sedative phenobarbital, anticoagulants like warfarin, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, antacids and H2 antagonists for reflux. 

If other medications may interact with Grisovin-FP, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Grisovin-FP be taken and for how long?

You should take your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, and with food, preferably a high-fat meal to help absorption and reduce the risk of stomach irritation.  You should avoid alcohol while taking Grisovin-FP to prevent severe reactions. 

The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.  This could be once or twice daily for 2-6 weeks, or longer for up to 18 months. You should continue to take your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Grisovin-FP

If you miss a dose of Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Grisovin-FP be stored?

You should store your Grisovin-FP tablets 250mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.