What is disulfiram?

Disulfiram interferes with the metabolism of alcohol resulting in unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed.

Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism.

Disulfiram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about disulfiram?

Do not take disulfiram for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Reactions may occur from drinking alcohol for several weeks after you have stopped taking disulfiram.

Be aware of the alcohol content of other common products such as cough and cold medicines, mouth washes, tonics, sauces, vinegars, and other food products. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking disulfiram?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• liver disease,
• kidney disease;

• thyroid disease;

• diabetes;

• brain damage or mental disorders;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take disulfiram, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card that states you are taking disulfiram. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions about this.

How should I take disulfiram?

Take disulfiram exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a disulfiram overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking disulfiram?

Do not take disulfiram for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Reactions may occur from drinking alcohol for several weeks after you have stopped taking disulfiram.

Be aware of the alcohol content of other common products such as cough and cold medicines and food products. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

Tell your doctor (or dentist) that you are taking disulfiram before taking an antibiotic or before having surgery.

Do not come in contact or breathe the fumes of products that may contain alcohol including paint thinners, solvents, stains, lacquers and others. Use caution when applying or using products that may contain alcohol including aftershaves, mouthwashes, colognes, perfumes, antiseptics and others. Talk to your doctor or phaarmacist if you have questions regarding product alcohol content.

Disulfiram side effects

Severe and sometimes fatal liver problems have occurred in patients taking disulfiram even without a prior history of liver problems.

• an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives);

• seizures;

• extreme tiredness;

• dark urine;

• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);

• large appetite changes;

• weakness, dizziness or loss of coordination; or

• severe diarrhea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take disulfiram and talk to your doctor if you experience

• skin rash or acne;

• mild headaches;

• mild drowsiness or tiredness;

• impotence;

• metallic taste in the mouth; or

• swollen or sore tongue.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect disulfiram?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• isoniazid (Nydrazid);

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

• a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others;

• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• metronidazole (Flagyl);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with disulfiram. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about disulfiram written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Disulfiram is available with a prescription under the brand name Antabuse. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.