DRUG NAME

Grifulvin V (Griseofulvin)

Pharmacological action

Antifungal antibiotic. It has a fungistatic effect. It is active against dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton. Inhibits cell division of fungal cells in metaphase, disrupting the structure of the mitotic spindle. Grifulvin V (Griseofulvin) accumulates to varying degrees in skin, hair and nail cells that are precursors of keratin, making keratin resistant to fungal invasion. As the infected keratin separates, it is replaced by healthy tissue.

Contraindications to use

• impaired liver function;
• impaired renal function;
• changes in the morphological composition of the blood;
• porphyria;
• malignant tumors;
• uterine bleeding;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• cerebral circulatory disorders (including anamnesis);
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• Hypersensitivity to griseofulvin.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

Grifulvin V (Griseofulvin) is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Indications of Griseofulvin

Dermatophytosis of the scalp, smooth skin and nails caused by fungi sensitive to the drug, including:

• microsporiasis;
• trichophytosis;
• phavus.

Epidermophytosis of the feet and hands caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale.

Dosage regimen

In case of microsporia the daily dose for adults is up to 1000 mg (8 tablets), while in children the dose is 21-22 mg/kg of body weight/day. The drug should be taken daily until the first negative mycological test, and then in the same dose should be taken 2 weeks every other day and 2 weeks twice a week.

In cases of onychomycosis, trichophytosis and scalp fascia the daily dose for adults with body weight less than 50 kg is 625 mg (5 tablets), further the drug dose is increased by 125 mg (1 tablet) for each 10 kg of body weight. Maximal daily dose is 1 g (8 tablets).

For trichophytosis and fauvus in children the drug is prescribed at a rate of 18 mg/kg of body weight/day. The course of treatment is the same as for microsporiasis.

For onychomycosis in children and adolescents, the drug is prescribed at a rate of 16 mg/kg of body weight.

During onychomycosis the drug is prescribed daily during the first month, every other day during the second month, then 2 times a week until complete replacement of a healthy nail. The total duration of treatment should be at least 8 months.

Tablets should be taken with meals with vegetable oil (1 teaspoon).