How to Use Griseofulvin Tablets and What Are Its Side Effects?
Griseofulvin tablets should be taken according to the prescribed course of treatment, which is used for skin diseases caused by fungal infections. The treatment course varies depending on different fungal infection sites. Long-term use may cause side effects, the most common being headache. Additionally, it may also cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, and a small number of patients may experience allergic reactions, leading to a decrease in white blood cells.
I. Instructions for Use and Course of Treatment of Griseofulvin Tablets
Treatment should continue until clinical symptoms disappear. For scalp ringworm, it takes 8 to 10 weeks; for tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks; for athlete's foot, 4 to 8 weeks; for onychomycosis, at least 4 months; for toenail onychomycosis, at least 6 months. However, the recurrence rate of toenail onychomycosis remains high. Therefore, griseofulvin tablets can be taken for a long time. Of course, taking the same medication for too long can easily lead to certain drug resistance.
II. Side Effects of Griseofulvin Tablets
(1) Neurological System: Headache is relatively common, occurring in about 10% of patients. It is severe initially but may decrease with continued medication. Other symptoms include fatigue, drowsiness, and occasionally, dizziness, ataxia, and peripheral neuritis.
(2) Digestive System: A small number of patients may experience upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea, which is generally mild and tolerable.
(3) Allergic Reactions: About 3% of people develop skin rashes after taking the medication. Occasionally, angioneurotic edema, persistent urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, and photosensitive dermatitis may occur in a few patients.
(4) Blood Count: Occasionally, it can lead to a decrease in white blood cells in the blood count and may occasionally cause liver toxicity and proteinuria.
