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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

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

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

Frequency

SID to BID

Max dose

250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day

Duration: 6–12 weeks; give with fatty food; itraconazole now preferred

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only