Griseofulvin Powder for Equine Use
By Roger Omwake, DVM
Basic Information
Griseofulvin is an antifungal agent which, when taken
orally, is active against the superficial fungi which cause ringworm of
the skin, hair and claws. Griseofulvin has activity against Trichophyton,
Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. It as no antibacterial activity, and
is not effective against other fungi. It is approved for use in dogs,
cats and horses. Adverse effects include anemia, anorexia, depression,
vomiting, and diarrhea. Safety in pregnant animals has not been established.
Griseofulvin should be given with food to enhance absorption. Griseofulvin
enhances cytochrome P-450 enzymes and may cause an increased metabolism
and clearance of concurrently administered drugs.
The FDA label use of griseofulvin is for the treatment
of ringworm infections caused by trichophyton equinum and microsporum
gypseum. The usual dose for a 1000 pound horse is 2.5 grams once daily
by mouth for a minimum of 10 days.
Off-Label Use
In my practice, most of the griseofulvin use is off-label.
Dr. Edwin Churchill observed in a clinical setting that griseofulvin is
a useful adjunct therapy to antibiotics when treating lower airway disease
and the accompanying mucous. A single bolus ten day dose of 25 grams is
administered by stomach tube or paste when the antibiotics are initiated.
Practice Tip
To facilitate the suspension and administration of
the griseofulvin powder, place the griseofulvin powder in a pitcher. Add
five to six capfuls of docusate sodium liquid 50mg/5ml and mix with the
powder to make a paste before adding water. The docusate sodium is a surfactant
and helps to wet the powders making mixing with water easier.
 About
the Author
Dr. Roger Omwake graduated from Ohio State University in 1971
and is currently practicing at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.
He has been in a standardbred racetrack practice since 1971.
Dr. Omwake is a member of the American Association of Equine
Practitioners, The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary
Medical Association.
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not
intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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