Grisactin (Generic name: Griseofulvin)

What is the most important information I should know about Grisactin?

• Take all of the Grisactin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Grisactin increases sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result.

What is Grisactin?

• Grisactin is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections.
• Grisactin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and barber's itch.
• Grisactin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Grisactin?

• You cannot take Grisactin if you
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to it,
  • have porphyria, or
  • have liver disease.
• Talk to your doctor before taking Grisactin if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Grisactin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Grisactin will harm an unborn baby. In rare cases, the use of Grisactin has been associated with conjoined twins. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether Grisactin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Grisactin may affect sperm and sperm production. It is recommended that you avoid fathering a child during treatment with Grisactin and for 6 months following therapy.

How should I take Grisactin?

• Take Grisactin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Your doctor may recommend that you take Grisactin with a fatty meal to increase its absorption into your body.
• Take all of the Grisactin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Grisactin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Store Grisactin tablets, capsules, and suspension at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Grisactin overdose are not well known but might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, numbness and tingling, and confusion.

What should I avoid while taking Grisactin?

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Grisactin increases sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• The combination of alcohol and Grisactin may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. Use alcohol cautiously during treatment with Grisactin.

What are the possible side effects of Grisactin?

• Stop taking Grisactin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Grisactin and notify your doctor if you experience
  • white patches in your mouth (thrush/ yeast infection);
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • headache, dizziness, or tiredness;
  • insomnia;
  • confusion;
  • numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or
  • menstrual irregularities.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Grisactin?

• Grisactin may decrease the effects of the following drugs:
  • oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin). A decrease in the effectiveness of anticoagulants could lead to blood clotting. It may be necessary to increase anticoagulant dosage.
  • birth control pills. Decreased effectiveness could lead to break-through bleeding and possibly to an unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about using of other forms of birth control during treatment with Grisactin.
  • salicylates such as aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salsitab, Salflex, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Magan), and others. Larger doses of these medicines may be needed.
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral). Your doctor may need to adjust your cyclosporine dosage.
• The effects of Grisactin may be decreased by barbiturates such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), amobarbital (Amytal), and butabarbital (Butisol). Larger doses of Grisactin may be necessary if you are taking any of these drugs.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Grisactin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.