Griseofulvin: What it treats, how to use it, and key safety tips

Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal that still works well for some stubborn skin and scalp infections. If topical creams failed or the fungus is in hair or nails, a doctor may prescribe griseofulvin. It’s not the fastest fix, but when used right it cures infections that don’t respond to other treatments.

How griseofulvin works and when to use it

Griseofulvin stops fungal cells from dividing by interfering with their microtubules. That slows the infection enough for your immune system to clear it. Common uses include tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), some cases of tinea corporis (body), and persistent skin infections. It’s less effective for many nail infections compared with newer drugs, but doctors still choose it when other options don’t fit.

Dosage and length vary. For skin and scalp infections, adults often take 500–1,000 mg a day divided into doses; children get a dose based on weight. Treatment runs for weeks to months—don’t stop early because the fungus can come back. Take griseofulvin with a fatty meal (butter, milk, or avocado) to improve absorption. There are microsize and ultramicrosize forms; follow your prescription exactly.

Safety, side effects, interactions and buying tips

Common side effects are headache, stomach upset, tiredness, and skin rashes. More serious risks include liver problems, blood count changes, and severe allergic reactions. Griseofulvin can cause photosensitivity—expect sunburn more easily—so use sunscreen and avoid long sun exposure.

Important interactions: griseofulvin speeds up some liver enzymes. That can reduce the effect of oral contraceptives (so use a backup method) and change levels of drugs like warfarin. It’s unsafe in pregnancy—do not use if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, and confirm negative pregnancy tests if required. For long courses, your doctor may check liver tests and blood counts.

If you’re thinking of buying griseofulvin online, get a prescription first. Look for pharmacies licensed in your country, read recent reviews, and avoid deals that seem too cheap or ship without clear labeling. Ask the seller where the drug is manufactured and whether the product shows the generic name. If anything feels off—poor packaging, no pharmacist contact, or dodgy payment methods—skip it and talk to your healthcare provider.

Bottom line: griseofulvin still has a role for certain fungal infections. Use it under medical supervision, follow dosing and safety advice, and be cautious when buying online. When in doubt, call your doctor—treatment works best when it’s tailored to you.