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Griseofulvin

Also indexed as: Fulvicin®, Grifulvin®, Grisactin®, Gris-PEG®, Gristatin®

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug used to treat ringworm infections of the skin, hair, and nails caused by specific fungi.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vitamin E
Adding 50 IU of vitamin E per day was reported to increase blood levels of this drug within four weeks in children, allowing the drug dose to be cut in half. Reducing the amount of griseofulvin should decrease the likelihood of side effects. This evidence is preliminary, so people taking griseofulvin should not supplement vitamin E on their own but may wish to discuss this matter with their doctor.1

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Food, especially with high fat content, increases griseofulvin absorption.2 It is recommended to take griseofulvin with food to maximize absorption of the drug. People on low-fat diets who are taking griseofulvin should talk with their doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol
Alcohol may interact with griseofulvin causing a reaction marked by facial flushing, headache, light-headedness, nausea, and breathlessness.3 To prevent unwanted reactions, people should avoid alcohol-containing products during griseofulvin therapy.

Summary of Interactions for Griseofulvin

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction Vitamin E*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Anonymous. Vitamin E boosts griseofulvin. Mycol Observer Nov/Dec 1990:8.

2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 124.

3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 123–4.