Griseofulvin
Griseofulvin is a swallowed antifungal for fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails, sold here as 250mg tablets under two brand names, Fulvicin and Grifulvin V.
Grifulvin V
Griseofulvin
250mg
Grifulvin V is a 250mg griseofulvin tablet for fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails, sold in packs of 30 to 180 tablets.
What griseofulvin is for
Griseofulvin comes as a tablet you swallow, and it treats fungal infections that have worked their way into the skin, the hair or the nails. Ringworm on the trunk, jock itch in the groin, athlete's foot between the toes, scalp ringworm and nail infections all belong here. A cream or powder only touches the surface; a tablet travels through the body to the keratin (the hard protein in hair, skin and nails), which is where these fungi live. That is why it is the usual choice when the scalp or a nail is involved.
How it works
Swallowed griseofulvin passes into the bloodstream and is taken up by the cells that build new skin, hair and nail tissue. There it blocks the fungus from dividing, so the infection cannot spread into the fresh growth; the tissue that forms comes through clean, and the infected layer is gradually replaced or trimmed off. Because it works through growth rather than killing fungus on contact, results are counted in weeks and months, not days.
Taking the tablets
Some courses use a single daily dose, others divide the same amount into two, three or four smaller ones. Every dose goes down with food, and a fatty meal helps the body absorb more griseofulvin than a light snack does. The length of the course follows the site of the infection. Skin takes about 2 to 4 weeks, scalp and hair 4 to 6, feet 4 to 8 and fingernails 3 to 4 months, while toenails often need six months or more. Itching and redness can ease within days, but the fungus is still present then, so stopping at that point means the infection comes back.
Fulvicin and Grifulvin V
Fulvicin and Grifulvin V are both griseofulvin 250mg tablets, so a day's dose is the same number of tablets whichever box you buy; only the brand name changes. You will find them with the other antifungals. Elsewhere griseofulvin also comes as capsules and as a liquid that is shaken before each dose.
Side effects and interactions
Headache turns up often, and the stomach may complain too: nausea, vomiting, loose stools, thirst, dizziness, tiredness, a washed-out faint feeling. Skin can burn more readily in strong sun, so keep it covered and wear sunscreen outdoors. Fever together with a sore throat, a new rash or sores inside the mouth points to a serious reaction and needs urgent attention. Griseofulvin also weakens the pill, patch and ring, so a second method is needed for the whole course and four weeks after it. It is not given during pregnancy.
Sources
- Griseofulvin: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / National Library of Medicine
- Ringworm Basics - CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Where can I buy Griseofulvin in Hong Kong?
You can order griseofulvin online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range includes generic Fulvicin, also sold as Griseofulvin tablets, generic Grifulvin and generic Grisactin, and generic Grifulvin V, all as 250mg tablets, with more versions on the page. A parcel that does not arrive within the delivery window, or arrives damaged, is sent again free, and if that is not possible the order is refunded.
How much does Griseofulvin cost?
It depends on the product, strength and pack size. Each of the two griseofulvin products listed here shows its current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Griseofulvin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order griseofulvin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the other names for griseofulvin?
Fulvicin and Grifulvin V are brand names of griseofulvin, which is also sold as Fulcin and Grisovin. Here, griseofulvin can be bought online as generic Fulvicin and generic Grifulvin V. These are generics, not the original brand.
How long does griseofulvin take to work?
It starts acting from the first dose, yet the visible change is slow. Itching and redness settle first, and skin may take a few weeks to look normal. Scalp infections often need a month or more, and toenails can take around six months to grow out clear.
What is the difference between Fulvicin and Grifulvin V?
Both are griseofulvin 250mg tablets, one made under the Fulvicin name and one under Grifulvin V. The ingredient and strength match, so a daily total means the same number of tablets whichever you pick; only the branding differs.
Does griseofulvin make the pill less effective?
Yes. While you take griseofulvin, the pill, patch and ring are all less dependable, so add a second method for the entire course and for four weeks after the last tablet.
Can I stop taking griseofulvin once the rash clears?
No. A rash can clear while the fungus lingers in the keratin beneath it. Stop early and the infection returns, and the course has to start over from day one.
Should griseofulvin be taken with food?
Yes, with a meal. Food helps absorption, particularly a meal containing some fat, so avoid taking it on an empty stomach. If the daily amount is divided, each part goes with food. Swallow the tablets whole with water rather than chewing them.