griseofulvin
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An antifungal antibiotic: Griseofulvin is a type of fungicidal antibiotic drug, originally derived from molds of the genus Penicillium. It is used primarily to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, such as ringworm.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed griseofulvin for the patient's persistent ringworm infection.
- Griseofulvin is often taken orally over several weeks to be effective.
Advanced Usage
- Medical Context: Griseofulvin works by inhibiting fungal cell division. It is absorbed and then incorporated into keratin, making newly formed skin, hair, and nails resistant to fungal growth.
- Long-term therapy with griseofulvin is required for nail infections.
Variants and Related Words
- Fulvicin (n): A common trade name for griseofulvin.
- Fulvicin is one brand under which griseofulvin is marketed.
Synonyms
- Antifungal antibiotic: A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of fungi.
- Fungistatic agent: A substance that stops the growth of fungi (griseofulvin is primarily fungistatic).
Notes on Meaning
- While griseofulvin is structurally related to penicillin compounds and is produced by molds, it is not used as an antibacterial penicillin. Its sole clinical use is as an antifungal medication.
Noun
- a kind of penicillin (a fungicidal antibiotic with the trade name Fulvicin) produced by molds of the genus Penicillium