General Description: Griseofulvin is an oral antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections in dogs and cats, especially ringworm. Give griseofulvin with a fatty meal to reduce stomach upset and increase absorption. This medication is available in different tablet strengths.
What is this drug?
Antifungal
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat fungal conditions of the skin, hair and nails, most notably ringworm
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia (FeLV) as griseofulvin might compromise their immune system
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to griseofulvin
Pets with liver disease
Breeding or pregnant animals
Directions:
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenonce or twice daily. Your veterinarian may suggest tablets be given with a fatty food (ex. butter or cheese).
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
Call ahead for refills. Treatment is usually for several weeks and should be continued until the patient has been cultured negative. Discontinuing medication too early may cause the disease to recur.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Nausea
If the pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea another medication can be prescribed. If this isn’t possible, then an anti-nausea medication may be helpful.
Kittens can be especially sensitive. Monitor your kitten for signs of weakness, decreased appetite or fever (>103°F). Contact veterinarian immediately.
Rare possibility of immune system being compromised in cats
Can be toxic to the liver (periodic blood tests may be advised)
Loss of appetite, anemia, depression, weakness
Skin inflammation and/or sensitivity to sunlight (keep pet out of direct sunlight as much as possible)
Most of the above effects (except gastrointestinal issues) are unusual with usual dosages
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with alcohol, phenobarbital and coumarin anticoagulants.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, griseofulvin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
Ringworm will likely recur if a complete course of medication was not performed. Griseofulvin should be given until a fungal culture proves to be negative.
This is just a summary of information about griseofulvin. If you have any questions or concerns about griseofulvin or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
