DISULFIRAM - ORAL

DISULFIRAM - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (dye-SUL-fi-ram)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Antabuse

GENERIC NAME(S): disulfiram

Uses

USES: This medication is used along with counseling and support to treat alcoholism. Disulfiram works by blocking the processing of alcohol in the body. This causes you to have a bad reaction when you drink alcohol.


How to use DISULFIRAM - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Precautions section. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If this medication causes drowsiness, take it at bedtime. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The maximum recommended daily dose is 500 milligrams. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, and metallic/garlic-like taste in the mouth may occur as your body gets used to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: decreased sexual ability, vision changes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, extreme excitement/confusion), seizures, confusion. This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking disulfiram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to thiuram or thiuram-related chemicals (found in pesticides and rubber); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery disease), certain mental/mood condition (psychosis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, brain damage), kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs. Avoid all alcoholic beverages or alcohol-containing products/foods (e.g., cough and cold syrups, mouthwash, aftershave, sauces, vinegars) while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication. Check all product labels carefully to make sure that there is no alcohol in the product. Using alcohol, even a small amount, while taking this medication can lead to a reaction that may include flushing, throbbing headache, breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, fast breathing), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme tiredness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, or blurred vision. These symptoms can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Tell your doctor right away if these symptoms occur, especially if they persist or worsen. A more serious reaction with this medication and alcohol may include trouble breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, chest/jaw/left arm pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you have these symptoms. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: alcohol-containing products (e.g., cough and cold syrups, aftershave), amitriptyline, benznidazole, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), certain medications for seizures (e.g., hydantoins such as phenytoin/fosphenytoin), isoniazid, metronidazole, theophylline, tinidazole. This medication can increase the side effects of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine VMA/HVA tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, drowsiness, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness.

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Faq for DISULFIRAM - ORAL

Disulfiram is an oral medication primarily used to treat alcohol dependence. It works by interfering with the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, resulting in unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed.

The common side effects of Disulfiram may include drowsiness, headache, skin rash, metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting.

Disulfiram is not a cure for alcohol addiction but can assist in the management of alcohol dependence. It works as a deterrent by inducing unpleasant effects upon alcohol consumption.

It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking before starting Disulfiram. Certain medications, such as metronidazole, opioids, and certain depression medications, can interact with Disulfiram and cause severe adverse effects.

Disulfiram has a half-life of about 60-120 hours. This means that it takes approximately 5-7 days for the body to eliminate half of the medication.

Disulfiram is not recommended during pregnancy and nursing. It may cause harm to the fetus or newborn. Consult with a healthcare professional for alternative options.

Disulfiram can be taken without alcohol; however, it is primarily used to help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol by creating unpleasant effects upon alcohol consumption.

Disulfiram has the potential to cause liver damage, although it is a relatively rare side effect. Regular monitoring of liver function is usually recommended during treatment.

The duration of Disulfiram treatment depends on individual circumstances and should be determined by a healthcare professional. It is typically recommended for several months to aid in the recovery process.


Warning

WARNING: This medication should not be given to a patient without their knowledge. Do not take this medication if you are under the influence of alcohol or have drunk alcohol in the last 12 hours.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.