Griseofulvin

Definition

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication used primarily to treat skin and nail infections caused by dermatophytes. It works by inhibiting fungal cell division and disrupting the mitotic spindle, which helps to prevent the spread of the infection within the body. This drug is particularly effective against conditions like tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) and onychomycosis (nail fungus).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Griseofulvin is derived from the mold Penicillium griseofulvum and was first discovered in the 1930s.
2. The medication is usually administered orally and is absorbed better when taken with fatty foods, enhancing its effectiveness.
3. Common side effects of griseofulvin include gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, and potential liver function changes.
4. It is important to complete the full course of treatment with griseofulvin, as stopping early can lead to relapse of the fungal infection.
5. Griseofulvin is generally contraindicated in pregnant women due to potential teratogenic effects on the developing fetus.

Review Questions

• How does griseofulvin work at a cellular level to combat fungal infections?
  • Griseofulvin targets fungal cell division by disrupting the formation of the mitotic spindle during cell reproduction. This interference prevents proper cell division, ultimately leading to the death of the fungal cells. As a result, it effectively halts the spread of dermatophyte infections like tinea capitis and onychomycosis within the body.
• Discuss the importance of adherence to treatment regimens when prescribing griseofulvin for fungal infections.
  • Adherence to treatment with griseofulvin is crucial because stopping the medication prematurely can result in relapse or incomplete resolution of the fungal infection. This is especially important for conditions like onychomycosis, which can require long courses of therapy for full eradication. Patients should be educated on completing their prescription even if symptoms improve early in treatment.
• Evaluate the role of griseofulvin in comparison to other antifungal agents in treating dermatophyte infections.
  • Griseofulvin plays a significant role in treating dermatophyte infections, especially when topical treatments fail or are insufficient. While other antifungal agents like azoles may offer broader antifungal coverage, griseofulvin remains a first-line option specifically for certain conditions due to its targeted action against dermatophytes. Evaluating patient history, potential side effects, and treatment duration helps determine whether griseofulvin or alternative antifungal agents would be more appropriate for effective management of the infection.

Related terms

Dermatophytes: A group of fungi that cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails, often responsible for conditions such as athlete's foot and ringworm.

Tinea: A general term for fungal infections of the skin, named according to the body part affected, such as tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (foot), and tinea capitis (scalp).

Antifungal agents: Medications that are used to treat fungal infections by either killing the fungi or inhibiting their growth, which includes various classes such as azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes.