What is Antabuse used for?
DISULFIRAM can help patients with an alcohol abuse problem to stop drinking. When taken with alcohol, this medicine produces unpleasant effects. This medicine is part of a recovery program that includes medical supervision and counseling. It is not an ultimate cure.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Antabuse?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- brain damage
- diabetes
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- psychotic disease
- recently exposure to alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
- seizures
- taking metronidazole or paraldehyde
- under-active thyroid
- an unusual or allergic reaction to disulfiram, pesticides or rubber products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Antabuse should be taken?
This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. You must never take this medicine within 12 hours after taking any alcohol. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid before taking. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Antabuse?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Antabuse with the other medicine/food/etc?
This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:
- alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
- amprenavir
- cocaine
- lopinavir; ritonavir
- metronidazole
- oral solutions of ritonavir or sertraline
- paclitaxel
- paraldehyde
- tranylcypromine
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- isoniazid
- medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
- phenytoin
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Antabuse?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress.
Never take this medicine if you have been drinking alcohol. Make sure that family members or others in your household know about this medicine and what to do in an emergency. When this medicine is taken even with small amounts of alcohol, it will produce very unpleasant effects. You may get a throbbing headache, flushing, vomiting, weakness and chest pains. It might even cause breathing and heart problems, seizures and death to occur. This medicine can react with alcohol even 14 days after you took your last dose.
Never take products or use toiletries that contain alcohol. Always read labels carefully. Many cough syrups, liquid pain medications, tonics, mouthwashes, after shave lotions, colognes, liniments, vinegars and sauces contain alcohol.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain saying that you are taking this medicine. Carry an identification card with your name, name and dose of medicine being used, and name and phone number of your doctor and/or emergency contact person on you.
Does Antabuse have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- changes in vision
- confusion, disorientation, irritability
- dark urine
- general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
- loss of appetite, nausea
- loss of contact with reality
- numbness, pain or tingling
- right upper belly pain
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- change in sex drive or performance
- dizziness
- drowsy, tired
- headache
- metallic or garlic taste
- nausea, vomiting
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Antabuse?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep it in a tight light resistant container. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.