Griseofulvin Tablet Side Effects in Pakistan

Complete guide to Griseofulvin side effects — from common effects through to rare serious reactions, and important drug interactions.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Griseofulvin include headache (most common), nausea, rash/photosensitivity, and dizziness. A disulfiram-like reaction occurs with alcohol — avoid completely. Absolutely forbidden in pregnancy (Category X). Oral contraceptive efficacy may be reduced — use additional contraception. See a doctor immediately for jaundice.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Headache
Nausea
GI upset / abdominal discomfort
Rash / photosensitivity (dhoop se reaction)
Dizziness
Insomnia

Serious — See a Doctor

Hepatotoxicity (rare — jaundice, LFT elevation)
Peripheral neuropathy
SLE-like reaction (rare)
Granulocytopenia / leucopenia (rare — long courses)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Jaundice — yellowing of eyes or skin
Severe skin rash with fever or blistering (rare severe hypersensitivity)
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Severe headache that is not improving

Griseofulvin Tablet Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Griseofulvin (Grisovin / Fulcin) is generally tolerated but monitoring is required during long treatment courses. Serious interactions exist with alcohol and in pregnancy.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Headache
Nausea
GI upset / abdominal discomfort
Rash / photosensitivity
Dizziness
Insomnia

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat — Rare)

Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) — jaundice — monitor during long courses or at high doses
Peripheral neuropathy — tingling in hands and feet (long-term use)
SLE-like reaction (rare)
Granulocytopenia / leucopenia

Critical Warnings

PREGNANCY: Category X — absolutely contraindicated. Reliable contraception required during treatment and for 6 months afterwards (women AND men).

ALCOHOL: Disulfiram-like reaction — flushing, nausea, shortness of breath — avoid completely.

OCP (Contraceptive Pills): Griseofulvin reduces OCP efficacy — additional barrier contraception is required.

When to See a Doctor

Jaundice
Severe rash with fever/blistering
Tingling/numbness in hands or feet
Severe persistent headache

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Headache	Monitor — inform doctor if severe
Common	Photosensitivity	Avoid sun, use sunscreen
Serious (rare)	Hepatotoxicity (jaundice)	Stop drug — see doctor immediately
Drug interaction	Alcohol	AVOID completely
Drug interaction	OCP failure	Use additional contraception

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Griseofulvin se headache kyun hoti hai?

Headache is the most common and bothersome side effect of griseofulvin. It is generally more pronounced at the start of treatment and may improve within a few weeks. If severe, inform your doctor.

Griseofulvin se dhoop mein kya ho sakta hai?

Griseofulvin can cause photosensitivity — rash or sunburn may occur more easily in sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use sunscreen, and keep skin covered.

Kya griseofulvin liver ko affect karta hai?

Hepatotoxicity can occur rarely. LFT (liver function test) monitoring is required during long courses. For jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), stop the medicine immediately and see a doctor.

Griseofulvin se contraceptive pills fail kyun hoti hain?

Griseofulvin induces liver enzymes (CYP) — the metabolism of oral contraceptive pills is accelerated and their blood level falls, which can cause contraception failure. OCP users must use additional barrier contraception.

Side effects report kaise karein?

Report unexpected side effects on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Griseofulvin Tablet.

Other antifungals

Sibling medicines in the Antifungals class.

All in class →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.