TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF GRISEOFULVIN IN DERMATOMYCOSIS

Griseofulvin was used to treat ringworm infection in 32 patients. In addition to observations on its effectiveness, close watch was kept for possible side-effects, and laboratory tests were applied to detect signs of damage to kidneys, testes, liver, brain, and hematopoietic tissues. Dosages usually were 0.5 or 1.0 Gm. of griseofulvin per day by mouth, and the treatment generally continued for 30 days. The organism most frequently found (12 cases) was Trichophyton tonsurans. Striking success was the rule, with the disappearance of fluorescent hairs and resumption of normal growth in previously deformed fingernails. The only indication of adverse effects was an increase in the proportion of mature lymphocytes found in the differential count. Under the conditions of this study griseofulvin appeared to be an effective and safe antibiotic for use in treating superficial fungus infections.