Griseofulvin [Microsize]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Approved / Established Uses

Griseofulvin [Microsize] is an oral antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of dermatophyte (ringworm) infections of the skin, hair, and nails caused by susceptible species of Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, when the infection is extensive, chronic, or otherwise inadequately responsive to topical antifungal therapy alone. Established indications include:

• Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) — this is the classic, best-established indication for Griseofulvin [Microsize], since topical agents alone cannot penetrate the hair follicle.
• Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
• Tinea cruris (jock itch)
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), particularly chronic or extensive infection
• Tinea barbae (ringworm of the beard area)
• Onychomycosis / tinea unguium (fungal nail infection) caused by susceptible dermatophytes, when topical therapy is inadequate — although newer oral antifungals are generally preferred first-line for nails due to shorter treatment duration and higher cure rates.

Not Effective For

Griseofulvin [Microsize] has no activity against bacteria, yeasts (including Candida), or other fungi outside the dermatophyte group, and should not be used for these infections.

General Principle

The dose and duration of Griseofulvin [Microsize] depend on the site and severity of the infection. Treatment must be continued until the infected tissue is completely replaced by healthy, fungus-free tissue — stopping early, even if symptoms improve, risks relapse.

Pediatric Dosing

Weight-based dosing is used in children old enough to be treated (see Use in Special Populations and Pediatric Uses).

Stewardship Note

Take Griseofulvin [Microsize] exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, as inadequate treatment duration increases the risk of relapse and treatment failure.

The most common side effect of Griseofulvin [Microsize] is headache, which occurs frequently, especially early in treatment, and often diminishes with continued use.

Common

• Headache
• Gastrointestinal upset — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric discomfort
• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight)

Less Common / Rare

• Skin rash, urticaria (hives)
• Hepatotoxicity (rare, usually mild and reversible; very rarely serious)
• Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare severe skin reactions
• Leukopenia (reduced white blood cell count)
• Confusion, impaired coordination, fatigue (rare)
• Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (rare)