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Peds Calc

Safety Information

Griseofulvin (Micro Sized) Contraindications & InteractionsWhen Not to Use & Important Drug Interactions

Understanding when griseofulvin should not be used and what precautions to take ensures safe and effective treatment of your child's fungal infection. This medication has specific contraindications and important drug interactions that require careful consideration.

Clinical Utility: 10/10
4 Clinical Sources
Back to Griseofulvin (Micro Sized) Overview

Griseofulvin is contraindicated in patients with porphyria and hepatocellular failure. It has significant drug interactions, particularly with warfarin and oral contraceptives, and can cause photosensitivity. The medication requires hepatic metabolism and can rarely cause serious adverse effects including hepatotoxicity and severe skin reactions.

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications (Never Use)

Porphyria (acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria)

Can cause severe abdominal pain, neurological symptoms, and potentially life-threatening attacks

Hepatocellular failure or severe liver disease

Risk of drug accumulation and hepatotoxicity

Known hypersensitivity to griseofulvin

Previous reactions predict future severe responses

Pregnancy

Can cause fetal abnormalities, particularly skeletal defects

Relative Contraindications (Use With Caution)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

May worsen photosensitivity and systemic symptoms

Photodermatitis or photosensitivity disorders

Risk of severe sunburn and phototoxic reactions

Age under 2 years

Limited data on dosing and adverse effects

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medication is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. However, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and need to give this medication to your child, it's always a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it's the best choice for your specific situation.

Drug Interactions

major interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Unknown effect

How it happens: Induces hepatic enzymes, increasing warfarin metabolism

Management: Consult healthcare provider

major interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Unknown effect

How it happens: Enzyme induction reduces contraceptive efficacy

Management: Consult healthcare provider

moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Unknown effect

How it happens: Barbiturates induce griseofulvin metabolism

Management: Consult healthcare provider

moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Unknown effect

How it happens: Disulfiram-like reaction

Management: Consult healthcare provider

moderate interaction

Specific drugs: See description

Effect: Unknown effect

How it happens: May reduce cyclosporine levels

Management: Consult healthcare provider

Disease State Considerations

Hepatic impairment

Unknown

No information available

Photosensitivity disorders

Unknown

No information available

Blood dyscrasias

Unknown

No information available

Clinical Pearls

Griseofulvin's contraindication in porphyria is absolute - can trigger life-threatening acute attacks

Evidence: highSource: Case Reports and FDA Safety Data

The warfarin interaction is clinically significant - INR can drop by 50% requiring dose adjustment

Evidence: highSource: Drug Interaction Studies

Photosensitivity persists for several weeks after discontinuation due to drug deposition in skin

Evidence: moderateSource: Pharmacokinetic Studies

Adolescent females need explicit contraception counseling - document the discussion for liability

Evidence: highSource: FDA Pregnancy Category X designation

Clinical References

Griseofulvin Drug Interactions and Contraindicationsโ€ขFDA Prescribing Information (2023)regulatory standardPediatric data
Safety of Systemic Antifungals in Pediatric Patientsโ€ขPediatric Dermatology (2022)systematic reviewPediatric data
Managing Drug Interactions with Antifungal Agents in Childrenโ€ขJournal of Pediatric Pharmacology (2023)clinical reviewPediatric data
Photosensitivity Reactions in Children: Prevention and Managementโ€ขPediatric Dermatology Clinics (2022)expert consensusPediatric data