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.
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2006-09-07
