(Disulfiram)
Prescription required. May be split. Product of India. Shipped from Mauritius.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of Turkey. Shipped from Mauritius. Antabuse is also marketed internationally under the name Antabus.
Antabuse (disulfiram) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic alcoholism by creating an acute sensitivity to alcohol. It works by blocking the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in alcohol metabolism. This causes a build-up of acetaldehyde, which is associated with highly unpleasant side effects. When alcohol is consumed while taking Antabuse, it causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing, which are intended to deter the individual from drinking.
According to clinical studies, Antabuse (disulfiram) has been shown to be an effective part of alcohol abstinence programs, especially when combined with counseling and behavioral support. Some indications are that evidence is stronger in open-label studies, possibly because a primary mechanism for abstinence is psychological deterrence.
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
The most common side effects of Antabuse (Disulfiram) include drowsiness, fatigue, and a metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth. In clinical trials, around 20% of users reported mild to moderate fatigue, while 10% reported changes in taste. If you experience severe side effects or reactions after consuming alcohol, seek medical attention immediately.
Common side effects include:
Fatigue
Metallic or garlic-like taste
Drowsiness
Other less common side effects include:
Skin rash
Headache
Liver toxicity (rare but serious)
Patients taking Antabuse should have regular liver function tests to monitor for potential liver damage.
When taking disulfiram, consuming alcohol can cause a severe reaction, even if only a small amount of alcohol is used. This leads to symptoms like:
Flushing
Throbbing headaches
Difficulty breathing
Nausea
Intense vomiting
Chest pain
Rapid heart rate
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Confusion
In rare cases, it can cause low blood pressure, fainting, and seizures and has the potential to be life-threatening. The severity of the reaction depends on how much disulfiram and alcohol are in the body. It’s critical to fully discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with a healthcare provider.
Antabuse (disulfiram) is taken orally in tablet form. The usual starting dose is 500 mg once daily for 1-2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg once daily. Depending on the individual's treatment plan, the maintenance dose can continue for months or even years. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and avoid all forms of alcohol, including those found in foods, beverages, and personal care products.
Disulfiram should never be given unless the patient has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 hours.
Common questions and answers about Antabuse:
Antabuse (disulfiram) starts working within 12 hours of the first dose. However, its deterrent effect lasts for up to two weeks after discontinuing the medication, so it’s crucial to avoid alcohol even after stopping Antabuse.
No. Antabuse (disulfiram) can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a full glass of water may help with absorption and reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing.
Yes. Brand name Antabuse has been discontinued.
Disulfiram (dye sul' fi ram) Antabuse® Never give disulfiram to a patient in a state of alcohol intoxication or without the patient's full knowledge. The patient should not take disulfiram for at least 12 hours after drinking. A reaction may occur for up to 2 weeks after disulfiram has been stopped.
Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism. It causes unpleasant effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. These effects include flushing of the face, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. These effects begin about 10 minutes after alcohol enters the body and last for 1 hour or more. Disulfiram is not a cure for alcoholism, but discourages drinking. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Disulfiram comes in tablets to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take disulfiram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow the tablets, crush them and mix the medication with water, coffee, tea, milk, soft drink, or fruit juice.
Before taking disulfiram,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to disulfiram or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amitriptyline (Elavil), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), isoniazid, metronidazole (Flagyl), phenytoin (Dilantin), any nonprescription drugs that might contain alcohol, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, thyroid disease, epilepsy, brain damage, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking disulfiram, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking disulfiram.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages (including wine, beer, and medications that contain alcohol such as cough syrup) while taking disulfiram, during the 12-hour period before you take your first dose, and for several weeks after stopping the drug. Avoid sauces, vinegars, and all foods and beverages containing alcohol.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Disulfiram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: skin rash acne mild headache drowsiness tiredness impotence metallic taste or garlic-like taste in the mouth If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: excessive tiredness weakness lack of energy loss of appetitie upset stomach vomiting yellowness of the skin or eyes dark urine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to disulfiram. Always carry an identification card stating that you are taking disulfiram and indicating the doctor or institution to be contacted in an emergency. If you need an identification card, ask your pharmacist or doctor how to get one. Do not come in contact with or breathe the fumes of paint, paint thinner, varnish, shellac, and other products containing alcohol. Exercise caution when applying alcohol-containing products (e.g., aftershave lotions, colognes, and rubbing alcohol) to your skin. These products, in combination with disulfiram, may cause headache, nausea, local redness, or itching. Before using an alcohol-containing product, test it by applying some to a small area of your skin for 1-2 hours. If no redness, itching, or unwanted effects occur, you can use the product safely. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.
