How do you take Griseofulvin?

Adults usually take 500mg to 1000mg daily, either as a single dose or split into two doses. Always take it with food, especially fatty food like milk, groundnut, or a meal with oil, as this helps your body absorb it much better. Treatment can last from 2 weeks for skin infections up to 6-12 months for nail infections, so be patient and complete the full course.

What are the side effects of Griseofulvin?

Headache (very common, especially when you first start), stomach upset or nausea, diarrhea, feeling tired or dizzy, skin rash

Who should not take Griseofulvin?

People allergic to griseofulvin, those with liver disease or liver failure, people with lupus (SLE) or porphyria (a rare blood condition), pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant, and men should also avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 6 months after.

Prescription

Antifungal

Griseofulvin

Q: What is Griseofulvin used for?

Ringworm (on the body, scalp, groin, or feet), fungal nail infections, jock itch, athlete's foot, fungal infections of the skin and hair

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medicine that works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infections on your skin, hair, and nails. It gets absorbed into your skin and nails over time, making them resistant to fungal attack.

How it works

Inhibits fungal microtubule assembly by binding to tubulin, disrupting mitotic spindle formation and preventing cell division in dermatophytes, while also accumulating in keratin-containing tissues to provide persistent antifungal activity.

What is it used for?

Ringworm (on the bodyscalpgroinor feet)fungal nail infectionsjock itchathlete's footfungal infections of the skin and hair

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Fungal Infections Fungal Skin Infections Skin Infections

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Complete the full course of treatment even if the ringworm or infection looks better, as stopping early means the fungus can come back stronger. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and look for trusted brands like Emzor Griseofulvin, Cefulvin, or Grisoforis, and avoid buying from roadside sellers as fake antifungals are common. Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking this medicine as your skin may burn more easily.

Common Side Effects

Headache (very common, especially when you first start)
stomach upset or nausea
diarrhea
feeling tired or dizzy
skin rash

Serious Side Effects

Severe skin reactions like peeling or blistering: go to the hospital immediately. Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the eyes or dark urine: stop the drug and see a doctor right away. Unusual bruising
bleeding
or persistent sore throat which may indicate a blood problem.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol: avoid drinking alcohol while on griseofulvin as it can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and flushing. Birth control pills: griseofulvin can reduce how well contraceptive pills work, so use an additional method like condoms. Blood thinners like warfarin: griseofulvin can reduce their effectiveness, so inform your doctor.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Griseofulvin is NOT safe during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby, and women should avoid getting pregnant during treatment and for one month after stopping; breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to griseofulvin
those with liver disease or liver failure
people with lupus (SLE) or porphyria (a rare blood condition)
pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant
and men should also avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 6 months after.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in a car or near a window. Keep the suspension bottle tightly closed. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.