| Drug class |
Antifungal (imidazole‑like) – works by disrupting fungal cell division. |
| Common indications |
Dermatophyte infections such as tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea capitis (especially in children), and onychomycosis. |
| Typical dosing |
• Children (≤12 yrs): 20 mg/kg/day in two divided doses.
• Adults (≥13 yrs): 12–20 mg/kg/day (max ~2 g/day).
Always follow a doctor’s prescription – the exact dose depends on weight, infection type, and severity. |
| Route |
Oral tablets (usually 100 mg or 200 mg). |
| Duration |
4–12 weeks (or longer for scalp/foot infections). |
| Availability in Pakistan |
• Generics – Many local manufacturers produce griseofulvin tablets under various brand names. Some of the more common names include Griseofulv, Grisovex, and Griseo.
• Pharmacies – Most mid‑to‑large chain pharmacies (e.g., Al-Hekma, CMR, Pak Medical, and local independent pharmacies) carry the drug. Online pharmacies such as iShopping.pk, Meezan Pharmacy, and Tees also list it (always check for authenticity). |
| Regulatory status |
Griseofulvin is an approved prescription medication in Pakistan. It is listed in the national drug catalogue and is regulated by the Pakistan Food & Drug Authority (PFDA). It is not sold over‑the‑counter. |
| Insurance / cost |
Prices vary by brand and pharmacy. Generic 200 mg tablets usually run PKR 50–80 per tablet. A typical 4‑week course (≈280 tablets for a child or 140 for an adult) would cost PKR 2,800–5,600. Check with your local pharmacy or insurance plan for coverage. |
| Safety considerations |
• Side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, rash, and rarely hepatotoxicity or blood dyscrasias.
• Contraindications: pregnancy (avoid), breastfeeding (use with caution), severe liver disease.
• Drug interactions: may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., clozapine) and reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives. |
| When to seek medical help |
• If you develop severe abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, or any signs of liver dysfunction.
• If you experience rash, itching, or swelling. |
| How to ensure you get the right product |
1. Prescription only – Never buy from street vendors.
2. Check the packaging – Look for the PFDA stamp, batch number, expiry date.
3. Ask the pharmacist – confirm that it’s the generic you need and discuss any pre‑existing conditions that may affect use. |
| Tips for compliance |
• Take the tablets with food or milk to reduce GI upset.
• Stick to the full course even if symptoms improve early – stopping early can lead to recurrence.
• Keep a record of doses taken; some patients find a simple pill box helpful. |