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
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 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.
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
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.
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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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.