What are the medicinal uses and mechanism of action of griseofulvin?

What are the medicinal uses and mechanism of action of griseofulvin?

Griseofulvin is fungistatic, however the exact mechanism by which it inhibits the growth of dermatophytes is not clear. It is thought to inhibit fungal cell mitosis and nuclear acid synthesis. It also binds to and interferes with the function of spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules by binding to alpha and beta tubulin.

What is severe onychomycosis?

Total dystrophic onychomycosis or severe onychomycosis refers to the most advanced form of any of the subtypes. This form of onychomycosis is a later stage of the chronic subungual dermatophyte infection that may take 10 to 15 years to develop.

How is white onychomycosis treated?

White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is a form of onychomycosis characterized by a superficial localization of fungi on the dorsal surface of the nail plate. It may be easily treated by mechanical debridement of the affected area, followed by the application of topical antifungal agents.

Is griseofulvin stronger than terbinafine?

Griseofulvin is likely to be superior to terbinafine for the rare cases caused by Microsporum species.

Is Nystatin nephrotoxic?

However, many of the systemic/toxic effects of nystatin in humans are attributable to its binding to mammalian sterols, namely cholesterol. This is the effect that accounts for the nephrotoxicity observed when high serum levels of nystatin are achieved.

Does onychomycosis go away?

Fungal infections of the toenails — also known as onychomycosis — don’t go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.

How long does it take to cure onychomycosis?

Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

How is mild onychomycosis treated?

Continuous oral terbinafine therapy is most effective against dermatophytes, which are responsible for the majority of onychomycosis cases. Intermittent pulse dosing with itraconazole is as safe and effective as short-term continuous therapy but more economical and convenient.

Which is the best pulse therapy for onychomycosis?

The data suggest that pulse therapy with itraconazole is an effective and safe treatment option for onychomycosis. (Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:34-41)

Are there oral therapies for the treatment of onychomycosis?

Background and Design: In the treatment of onychomycosis, oral therapies have generally been given as a continuous-dosing regimen. For example, the suggested dose of itraconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis has thus far been 200 mg/d for 3 months.

How is a sharp curette used for Candidal onychomycosis?

A sharp curette can be used to remove material from the infected proximal nail bed as close to the lunula as possible. In candidal onychomycosis, infected material should be collected from the proximal and lateral nail edges. Historically, the treatment of onychomycosis has been challenging.

Can a surgical avulsion be used for onychomycosis?

Surgical or chemical nail avulsion may be useful in patients with severe onycholysis, extensive nail thickening or longitudinal streaks or“spikes” in the nail. These nail changes can be caused by a granulated nidus of infection (dermatophytoma), which responds poorly to standard courses of medical therapy. 35, 36