Fulvicin PG

1 What is Fulvicin PG?

Brand: Fulvicin PG, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin-UF, Gris-PEG, Grisactin

Generic: Griseofulvin

Fulvicin PG is from a group of drugs named “antifungal”. It is used for the treatment of fungal infections of various parts of body like skin, feet, toenail, groin, fingernails and scalp. This oral drug can either be taken alone or it can also be used in combination with topical antifungal applied directly at the infection site.

This drug is only available through a doctor’s prescription. Griseofulvin is available in market in following dosage forms:

  • Capsule
  • Tablet
  • Suspension

Amphotericin B belongs to a group of drugs known as antifungal drugs. It is used for the treatment of serious fungal infections. It is also used for some other medical conditions.

Amphotericin B is only available through a doctor’s prescription. This medicine is available in two dosage forms:

  • Injectable
  • Powder for Solution
Have a question aboutFungal Infections?Ask a doctor now

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Fulvicin PG, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Like any other medication, griseofulvin has potential side effects. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your healthcare provider will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them. Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric and geriatric age groups is not yet available.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. Following drugs may have an interaction with griseofulvin:

  • Dienogest
  • Desogestrel
  • Drospirenone
  • Estradiol Cypionate
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Estradiol Valerate
  • Ethynodiol Diacetate
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Etonogestrel
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
  • Mestranol
  • Norethindrone
  • Norelgestromin
  • Phenobarbital
  • Norgestimate
  • Norgestrel
  • Warfarin

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. Griseofulvin should not be used with ethanol.

You should also inform your doctor if you are suffering from any of the following medical conditions:

  • Histoplasmosis (Darling’s disease)
  • Blastomycosis (Gilchrist’s disease)
  • Actinomycosis (bacterial infection)
  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Liver failure
  • Sporotrichosis (Rose gardener's disease)
  • Tinea versicolor (Tinea flava)
  • Lupus erythematosus or lupus-like diseases—Griseofulvin may make it worse.
  • Porphyria

3 Proper Usage

Always use Fulvicin PG for the full course of treatment. Do not stop the medication before the recommended time even if you feel better after a few doses. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. This medicine should be taken with food (high fat diet) in order to enhance its absorption in the gut. High fat diet includes cheeseburger, whole milk and ice cream. Inform your doctor if you are consuming low fat diet.

Ideally you should take the dose after consuming a high fat meal. It will reduce the risk of stomach upset and will also help your body in eradication of fungal infection by enhancing the absorption of drug.
If you are taking oral form of griseofulvin:

  • You should use a special device to measure each dose accurately like specially marked measuring spoon. The typical spoon used in our homes may not contain the right amount of drug.

You can either swallow the tablets as a whole or you can crush them and then sprinkle it in tablespoon of applesauce. Immediately swallow the tablets without chewing.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine which is no needed.

4 Precautions to Take

In using Fulvicin PG, you must be careful and take some precautions.

In pregnant females, this medication may cause some unwanted adverse effects in the neonate. You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant in the near future.

This medicine can also cause some serious skin reactions. If you have peeling, blistering or blistering of skin, red lesions on the skin, skin rash or acne, skin ulcers or sores, fever or chills while using the drug, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away.

Griseofulvin can also cause liver failure. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, pale stools, dark urine, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of eyes and skin. Stop taking the drug and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms. Griseofulvin can also cause thyroid and liver tumors.

Grisreofulvin may affect the function of oral contraceptive pills. They may not work properly if taken with griseofulvin, resulting in unplanned pregnancies. Use an alternative contraceptive method for that time.

Griseofulvin should not be taken with alcohol. It may enhance the effects of alcohol on your body, which may result in adverse effects. This drug can also cause dizziness or drowsiness in some patients. So you should determine whether this medicine has that effect on you or not. If it makes you dizzy, do not drive while you are on this drug.

Griseofulvin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight may cause sunburn, skin rash, redness, itching or discoloration or the skin. Always use protective equipment while exposed to sunlight.

5 Potential Side Effects

Fulvicin PG has a tendency to cause a number of side effects. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

  • cough
  • chills
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • itching
  • joint or muscle pain
  • sore throat
  • red, irritated eyes
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Following side effects are less common:

  • confusion
  • photosensitivity
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • black, tarry stools
  • cloudy urine
  • chest pain
  • hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genetalia
  • painful or difficult urination
  • numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
  • shortness of breath
  • swollen glands
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • yellow eyes or skin

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medicine. Also contact your healthcare professional instantly, if have overdosed on this drug.

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