Category
Generic Grispeg, Griseofulvin
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Gris-PEG
Pronounced: GRISS-peg
Generic name: Griseofulvin
Other brand name: Fulvicin P/G
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Gris-PEG is prescribed for the treatment of the following ringworm infections:
Athlete's foot
Barber's itch (inflammation of the facial hair follicles)
Ringworm of the body
Ringworm of the groin and thigh
Ringworm of the nails
Ringworm of the scalp
Because Gris-PEG is effective for only certain types of fungal infections, before treatment your doctor may perform tests to identify the source of infection.
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Most important fact about this drug
To clear up your infection completely, continue taking Gris-PEG as prescribed until your doctor tells you to stop. Although some improvement may appear within a few days, you need to take Gris-PEG for an extended period.
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How should you take this medication?
To minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug, take Gris-PEG at meal times or with food or whole milk. If you are on a low fat diet, check with your doctor.
Observe good hygiene during treatment to help control infection and prevent reinfection.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from light. Keep the liquid from freezing.
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What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Gris-PEG.
More common side effects may include:
Hives, skin rashes
Less common side effects may include:
Confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, impairment of performance
of routine activities, inability to fall or stay asleep, nausea, oral thrush
(mouth inflammation), upper abdominal pain, vomiting
Rare side effects may include:
Menstrual irregularities, swelling, itching, and shedding of areas of skin,
tingling sensation in hands and feet
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Why should this drug not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Gris-PEG or other drugs of this type, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have liver damage or porphyria (an inherited disorder of the liver or bone marrow).
Do not take Gris-PEG while pregnant.
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Special warnings about this medication
Gris-PEG is similar to penicillin. Although penicillin-sensitive people have used Gris-PEG without difficulty, notify your doctor if you are sensitive to or allergic to penicillin.
Because Gris-PEG can make you sensitive to light, avoid exposure to intense natural or artificial sunlight.
Notify your doctor if you develop lupus erythematosus (a form of rheumatism) or a lupus-like condition. Signs and symptoms of lupus include arthritis, red butterfly rash over the nose and cheeks, tiredness, weakness, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin eruptions.
If you are being treated with Gris-PEG for an extended period of time, your doctor should perform regular tests, including periodic monitoring of kidney function, liver function, and blood cell production.
Gris-PEG has not been proved safe and effective for the prevention of fungal infections.
Gris-PEG may decrease the effectiveness of birth-control pills. Use additional protection while you are taking Gris-PEG.
Men should wait at least 6 months after finishing therapy with griseofulvin before they father a child.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while they are taking the drug.
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Possible food and drug interactions
when taking this medication
Gris-PEG may intensify the effects of alcohol. If you drink alcohol while taking this medication, your heart may start beating faster and your skin may be flushed.
If Gris-PEG is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Gris-PEG with the following:
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Oral contraceptives
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Special information
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not take Gris-PEG if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, notify your doctor immediately. There is a potential hazard to the developing baby.
If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor before taking Gris-PEG.
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Recommended dosage
The usual treatment periods for various ringworm infections are:
Ringworm of the scalp--4 to 6 weeks
Ringworm of the body--2 to 4 weeks
Athlete's foot--4 to 8 weeks
The usual treatment period, depending on the rate of growth, for ringworm of the fingernails is at least 4 months and for ringworm of the toenails at least 6 months.
ADULTS
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Ringworm of the Body, Groin and Thigh, Scalp
The usual dosage is 375 milligrams a day taken as a single dose or divided into smaller doses, as determined by your doctor.
Athlete's Foot, Ringworm of the Nails
The usual dosage is 750 milligrams a day divided into smaller doses, as determined by your doctor.
CHILDREN
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A single daily dose is effective in children with ringworm of the scalp.
The usual dosage is 3.3 milligrams per pound of body weight per day. This means that children weighing 35 to 60 pounds will take 125 to 187.5 milligrams a day, and children weighing more than 60 pounds will take 187.5 to 375 milligrams a day.
No dosage has been established for children 2 years of age and under.
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Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have dangerous consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Gris-PEG, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.