Griseofulvin Oral Suspension

This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that do not respond to creams/lotions. Clearing such infections will get rid of symptoms such as itching, red/peeling/scaly skin, and discolored nails. This medication works by stopping the growth of fungi. It does not treat infections due to bacteria or yeast.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. For the best absorption, it is best taken with or after a meal containing a moderate amount of fat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about specific dietary instructions, especially if you are on a low-fat diet.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on weight. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have. It may take several weeks to months to complete treatment for infections of the scalp, feet, and body. Nail infections may require several months to a year or longer to treat.Antifungal medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue to take this medication for the full prescribed length of treatment even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before taking griseofulvin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), severe liver disease (liver failure).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lupus.This drug may make you dizzy or less alert. Do not engage in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery until you know how this drug affects you and that you can safely perform these activities.Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking this drug unless your doctor gives permission. Drinking alcohol during treatment with this drug could result in a fast heartbeat and flushing of the skin.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss delaying griseofulvin treatment. Use of reliable form(s) of birth control is recommended during treatment and for 1 month after the drug is stopped. If you are planning to become pregnant within 1 month after treatment, the manufacturer recommends avoiding this drug. (See also Drug Interactions.)The effects of this drug on human sperm are unknown. However, based on animal cell studies, the manufacturer recommends waiting for a period of time after completing griseofulvin treatment before trying to father a child. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and ask how long to wait after your last dose before trying to father a child.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. For best results take with a high fat meal. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• porphyria
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to griseofulvin, penicillin, other foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Some fungal infections need many weeks or months of treatment to cure.

Follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the infection. You may need to use another medicine on your skin while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.