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Griseofulvin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Antifungal (fungistatic)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Disrupts mitotic spindle structure by interacting with polymerized microtubules, inhibiting fungal cell division; deposited in keratin precursor cells, making new growth resistant to dermatophyte infection

At a glance

Class
Antifungal (fungistatic)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1965-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) — Microsporum, Trichophyton
Dose
25–50 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
1500 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: 6–12 weeks; continue 2 weeks beyond clinical cure; give with fatty food
🐈

Cat

Dermatophytosis
Dose
25–50 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: 6–12 weeks; give with fatty food; itraconazole now preferred

Formulations

💊

Tablet (microsize) — 3

Strength
125mg
Available in India
Strength
250mg
Available in India
Strength
500mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Pregnancy
    Teratogenic — causes cleft palate and skeletal defects
  • FIV-positive cats
    Increased risk of bone marrow suppression

Use with caution

  • Hepatic disease
    Hepatotoxicity risk
  • Cats (general)
    Higher sensitivity to myelosuppression; itraconazole preferred

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Anorexia
Serious
Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, especially cats)
Teratogenicity
Hepatotoxicity
Neurological signs (rare)

Monitoring parameters

CBC (every 2 weeks in cats)Hepatic enzymesFungal culture for cure verificationDermatophyte PCR

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Phenobarbital
moderate
Phenobarbital induces hepatic CYP enzymes, increasing griseofulvin metabolism and reducing antifungal efficacy.
Management: May need higher griseofulvin dose. Monitor clinical response. Consider alternative antifungal (itraconazole, terbinafine) not affected by enzyme induction.
Warfarin
moderate
Griseofulvin induces CYP enzymes metabolizing warfarin, reducing anticoagulant effect.
Management: Monitor PT/INR. May need warfarin dose increase during griseofulvin course.

Brands

International

Fulvicin
Schering-Plough

India

Grisovin
Glaxo
Griseofulvin
Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Griseofulvin?
Griseofulvin is a antifungal (fungistatic) used in pets. Disrupts mitotic spindle structure by interacting with polymerized microtubules, inhibiting fungal cell division; deposited in keratin precursor cells, making new growth resistant to dermatophyte infection
›What is Griseofulvin used for in pets?
Griseofulvin is used in veterinary medicine for: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) — Microsporum, Trichophyton; Dermatophytosis.
›What is the Griseofulvin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Griseofulvin is typically dosed as follows — Dermatophytosis (ringworm) — Microsporum, Trichophyton: 25–50 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Griseofulvin dose for cats?
For cats, Griseofulvin is typically dosed as follows — Dermatophytosis: 25–50 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Griseofulvin?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, especially cats), Teratogenicity, Hepatotoxicity, Neurological signs (rare).
›Does Griseofulvin need a prescription?
Yes. Griseofulvin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Griseofulvin not be used?
Do not use Griseofulvin if: Pregnancy; FIV-positive cats.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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