Fulvicin

Chemical Name: GRISEOFULVIN

Uses of this medication

This medication is used to treat Ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin involving fungi called "Dermatophytes." While it is possible for a ringworm lesion to be very localized and require only topical therapy, this is not the usual situation and oral medication is necessary to control the skin disease. This medication should be continued until the patient has been cultured negative. If it is discontinued prematurely (like if the skin disease simply appears to have resolved but has not been re-cultured), the skin disease may recur.

How this medication works

Griseofulvin is produced by Penicillium bacteria. We have extracted it and made a medication of it. It acts by interfering with the microtubular structure of cell division so that fungal cells cannot reproduce. This enables the host's immune system to "gain the upper hand" and eliminate the infection. Griseofulvin is effective only against ringworm fungi; other fungi are not affected.

Side effects

The most common side effect associated with this medication is nausea. Vomiting or diarrhea would indicate that the medication is upsetting the patient's stomach and alternative treatment should be considered. If this is not possible, anti-nauseal medications may help. Kittens are more prone to side effects than are adult cats.

Griseofulvin may not be given to cats infected with the Feline Immunodefiency Virus as these individuals commonly develop blood dyscrasias. More specifically, they drop their neutrophil and lymphocyte counts so low that their immune system is affected. This side effect can occur in non-FIV+ cats as well but is much more rare. Some specialists recommend monitoring white blood counts every two weeks while a feline patient is on griseofulvin just to make sure this serious side effect is not occuring. Persian cats seem more prone to this side effect than are other breeds but not as prone as FIV+ cats.

Concerns and cautions

GRISEOFULVIN WORKS BEST IF GIVEN WITH A FATTY MEAL (oil from oil packed canned tuna or simply butter should work well).

Griseofulvin can be harmful to the liver and should be avoided in patients who have known liver disease.

Griseofulvin causes birth defects if given to pregnant animals.

Never give this medication to a pregnant pet!

Recurrence of ringworm infection is not uncommon if an incomplete course of medication is given. Griseofulvin should be given until a fungal culture is negative.

Interactions with other drugs

Concurrent use of phenobarbital (medication for epilepsy) will reduce absortion of griseofulvin from the patient's GI tract.