Antimicrobial
Griseofulvin
Microtubule-disrupting keratin-depositing antifungal
griz-ee-oh-FUL-vin
High-yield clue
Griseofulvin binds fungal microtubules to disrupt mitosis and deposits in keratin, so new hair, skin, and nail resist dermatophytes.
Overview
An older oral antifungal studied for disrupting fungal microtubules and the mitotic spindle while depositing in keratin precursor cells to protect new keratin.
Classification
- Antifungal (fungistatic)
- Disrupts microtubules / mitotic spindle
- Deposits in keratin precursor cells
- Active against dermatophytes
Lab & identification clues
- Microtubule / spindle disruption concept
- Keratin deposition (grows out with new tissue) vocabulary
- Hepatic cytochrome P450 induction concept
Associations
- Dermatophyte (tinea) study association
- Photosensitivity study vocabulary
- Historical scalp ringworm study framing
Commonly confused with
- Terbinafine (allylamine)
- Azoles
Frequently asked questions
What is Griseofulvin?
An older oral antifungal studied for disrupting fungal microtubules and the mitotic spindle while depositing in keratin precursor cells to protect new keratin.
What is the high-yield clue for Griseofulvin?
Griseofulvin binds fungal microtubules to disrupt mitosis and deposits in keratin, so new hair, skin, and nail resist dermatophytes.
What is Griseofulvin associated with?
Griseofulvin is associated with Dermatophyte (tinea) study association, Photosensitivity study vocabulary, and Historical scalp ringworm study framing.
What is Griseofulvin commonly confused with?
Griseofulvin is commonly confused with Terbinafine (allylamine) and Azoles.
Original mechanism summary for microbiology study. Sources checked: CDC antimicrobial-resistance guidance, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and standard coursework frameworks; reviewed 2026-06. Covers class, mechanism, and resistance vocabulary only; no prescribing, dosing, or patient-specific treatment guidance.