Name: Griseofulvin (Grifulvin)
Class: Antifungal
Mech.: Binds to microtubules, disrupts mitotic spindle, blocks mitosis. Fungistatic.
Absorption: Always given orally. Erratically absorbed. Fatty meals ® absorption.
Distribution: Binds in high conc. to keratin in areas of skin, hair, nails most affected by dermatophytes.
Metab.:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Headache, rare CNS effects (memory lapse, impaired judgment, blurred vision. Candida superinfection. High doses carcinogenic, teratogenic. Disulfiram-like effect with alcohol. Reduces efficacy of some oral contraceptives.
Utility: Inhibits most dermatophytes and superfic. yeast infections. Treats most types of tinea, ringworm, athletes foot.
Special Features: Cures at the base of the problem. When the cured base grow completely out, patient is cured. Long eradication time. Poor cure rate.