What is Antabuse (Disulfiram) used for?

Antabuse (Disulfiram) is an oral medication prescribed to help patients who are alcoholics quit consuming alcohol. It operates by interfering with the processing of alcohol in the body to produce severe side effects when it is consumed to discourage further use. These may include severe nausea, headaches, increased heartbeats, or chest pain.

How should I use Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

Antabuse (Disulfiram) should always be used strictly according to your physician's instructions as misuse may cause serious health problems. One tablet is normally taken one daily in the morning, but your directions will depend on your current health and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a full cup of water and may be taken on an empty stomach, but a meal is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Never split or crush the tablets before taking them to avoid destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your pharmacist or physician any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

Antabuse (Disulfiram) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Mild headaches
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Unusual or metallic taste in the mouth
• Skin rashes or acne
• Sore or swollen tongue
• Impotence

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are severe weakness, faintness, intense diarrhea, seizures, or signs of an allergic reaction such as intense skin rashes, swelling, or trouble breathing. Inform your physician as soon as you experience any worrying side effects to make sure any necessary alterations are made to your dosage or administration frequency to prevent more health problems from occurring.

Please Note

Antabuse (Disulfiram) should not be used to treat patients who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or who have a psychotic illness, porphyrias, risk of suicide, hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, or who have had a stroke in the past. Also inform your physician if you have diabetes, epilepsy, respiratory disease, kidney failure, or liver disease as these conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Antabuse (Disulfiram). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.