Also indexed as: Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Gris-PEG, Grisactin,
Gristatin
Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug used to treat ringworm infections of the skin, hair, and
nails caused by specific fungi.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Vitamin E*
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin
E
Adding 50 IU of vitamin E per day was reported to increase blood levels of this drug within
four weeks in children, allowing the drug dose to be cut in half. Reducing the amount of
griseofulvin should decrease the likelihood of side effects. This evidence is preliminary, so
people taking griseofulvin should not supplement vitamin E on their own but may wish to
discuss this matter with their doctor.1
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Food, especially with high fat content,
increases griseofulvin absorption.2 It is recommended to take griseofulvin with
food to maximize absorption of the drug. People on low-fat diets who are taking griseofulvin should talk
with their doctor or pharmacist.
Alcohol
Alcohol may interact with griseofulvin causing a reaction marked by facial flushing, headache,
light-headedness, nausea, and breathlessness.3 To prevent unwanted reactions,
people should avoid alcohol-containing products during griseofulvin therapy.
References:1. Anonymous. Vitamin E boosts griseofulvin. Mycol Observer
Nov/Dec 1990:8.
2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept
Press, 1998, 124.
3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept
Press, 1998, 123–4.