What is Antabuse (Disulfiram) used for?

Antabuse (Disulfiram) is prescribed to patients having trouble coping with alcohol addiction. It is used to deter alcohol consumption for patients who wish to undergo counselling and therapy by changing the metabolism to make the consumption of alcohol extremely unpleasant. This can prevent further consumption and allow the necessary therapy and counselling to take place. Your doctor may also recommend its use for the treatment of other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

Always follow your doctor`s instructions while using Antabuse (Disulfiram) to ensure the safest and most effective results from treatment. One tablet is normally taken once daily in the morning. Your individual directions will depend on your age, weight, health condition, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach, although a meal or snack is suggested prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets before use as this may destroy or change the effects of their contents. Ask your doctor any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

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

• Mild headaches
• Drowsiness
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Minor skin rash or acne
• Impotence or reduced sex drive

Stop using the medicine and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects including confusion, blurry vision, or signs of liver problems such as darkened urine, discoloured stools, or jaundice. Drinking alcohol while using this medication may cause severe nausea, intense headaches, irregular heartbeats, confusion, or faintness. The side effects that occur while not drinking alcohol may require reduced dosages, reduced application frequency, or emergency medical attention in serious cases.

Please Note

Antabuse (Disulfiram) should not be administered to patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, attempting to conceive, children, or patients who are at risk of suicide, who have hypertension, heart failure, porphyrias, coronary heart disease, or who have had a stroke. Also inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, diabetes, respiratory disease, liver disease, or kidney failure as these conditions may cause unexpected health problems requiring alterations to your regimen.

Strictly use Antabuse (Disulfiram) as prescribed and follow all instructions provided by your doctor. Safe, suitable, and optimum dosage can vary and is dependent on the patient`s health and medical history, as well as the condition you are treating.

Antabuse (Disulfiram) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.