|
Mode of Action: |
| Dermatophytes concentrate griseofulvin by an energy-dependent process. The drug then disrupts the mitotic spindle by interacting with the polymerized microtubules in susceptible dermatophytes. This leads to the production of multinucleate fungal cells. The inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis and the formation of hyphal cell wall material may also be involved. The result is distortion, irregular swelling, and spiral curling of the hyphae. Griseofulvin is fungistatic rather than
fungicidal, except in young active cells. |
|  |
|
Fungal Resistance: |
| Dermatophytes can be made resistant to griseofulvin in vitro. |
| |
|
Antifungal Spectrum: |
| Griseofulvin is active against
Microsporum
,
Epidermophyton
, and
Trichophyton
spp
. It has no effect on bacteria, including
Actinomyces
and
Nocardia
spp
, other fungi, or yeasts. |
| |
