Description:

Novafulvin Oral Suspension (micronized griseofulvin) 125mg/5ml 100ml is an antifungal medication used to treat dermatophyte fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails (tinea corporis, tinea capitis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea barbae, tinea unguium/onychomycosis). It works by interfering with fungal cell mitosis and division, inhibiting growth of dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton). The micronized formulation improves absorption and bioavailability. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common, affordable prescription oral antifungal suspension (especially for children with tinea capitis/scalp ringworm) available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy).

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for fungal infection confirmation via clinical diagnosis or microscopy/culture; not OTC due to long treatment duration and need for monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Systemic Antifungal Agent (Oral griseofulvin for dermatophilosis.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Griseofulvin (micronized) – 125 mg per 5 ml (after reconstitution). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Sucrose/sorbitol (sweetener), flavoring (e.g., orange/fruit), preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate), suspending agents, thickeners, citric acid (pH adjuster), and purified water (powder for reconstitution). The suspension is off-white to light yellow with a pleasant taste.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Novafulvin Oral Suspension 125mg/5ml 100ml (standard pediatric/adult strength after reconstitution). Related variants: Novafulvin 250mg or 500mg tablets (solid form for adults), or other griseofulvin suspensions (e.g., Fulcin, Griseofulvin generics). The 125mg/5ml is the common oral suspension strength.

Consume Type:

Oral – Powder for oral suspension (reconstitute with water to make liquid; shake well before each dose; measured with provided syringe/spoon).

Directions/Usage:

Reconstitute powder with specified boiled/cooled water volume (follow bottle instructions; usually ~90–95 ml for 100ml final volume). Shake vigorously.

• Adults: Typically 500–1000 mg daily (e.g., 20–40 ml twice daily or as directed).
• Children: Weight-based (20–25 mg/kg/day divided into 1–2 doses; e.g., 5–10 ml twice daily for a 20–40 kg child).
• Take with or after a fatty meal (e.g., milk, peanut butter) to significantly increase absorption.
• Duration: 4–8 weeks for skin infections, 4–6 months for nail infections (complete full course even if symptoms improve).
• Continue until clinical cure and negative fungal culture.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Headache
• Photosensitivity (rash on sun-exposed skin)
• Fatigue Other: Rash, dizziness. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe allergic reactions (rash/swelling), liver toxicity (jaundice), blood disorders (leukopenia), or lupus-like syndrome.

Package Type:

Amber plastic bottle of 100ml (powder for reconstitution; child-resistant cap, measuring syringe/spoon included; often in carton with leaflet).

Storage Advice:

• Before reconstitution: Store dry powder below 25–30°C in cool, dry place, away from light/moisture.
• After reconstitution: Refrigerate (2–8°C); do not freeze. Use within 14 days (check label). Shake well before each dose. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For dermatophyte fungal infections only (ineffective against yeast/Candida, bacterial, or viral infections).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to griseofulvin, severe hepatic impairment, porphyria, or pregnancy (Category C; avoid in first trimester).
• Caution in children (monitor growth), lupus erythematosus (may exacerbate), or photosensitivity history (use sunscreen).
• Take with fatty food (absorption increases 2–4 fold).
• If severe rash, jaundice, fever, or blood abnormalities occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Complete full course to prevent relapse/resistance.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes:

Similar griseofulvin oral suspensions in Ghana (125mg/5ml or equivalent) include:

• Fulcin Suspension (griseofulvin 125mg/5ml).
• Generic griseofulvin suspension 125mg/5ml (various importers).
• Alternatives: Oral terbinafine (Lamisil generics) or itraconazole for resistant dermatophytosis; topical antifungals for localized skin infections. Consult pharmacist/doctor in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Korle Bu Dermatology) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Varies by exact branding (Novafulvin generics often by Indian manufacturers like Intas, Cipla, or local Ghanaian producers for export). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (primary source for generic griseofulvin 125mg/5ml oral suspension imported to Ghana; BP/USP-compliant generics common in African markets).