Antabuse

Common use

Antabuse (Disulfiram) can help patients with an alcohol abuse problem not to drink alcohol. When taken with alcohol, this medicine produces unpleasant effects. This medicine is part of a recovery program that includes medical supervision and counseling. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Dosage and direction

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You must never take this medicine within 12 hours of taking any alcohol. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid before taking. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Precautions

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 with even small amounts of alcohol, it will produce very unpleasant effects. You may get a throbbing headache, flushing, vomiting, weakness and chest pain. Breathing and heart problems, seizures and death can occur. This medicine can react with alcohol even 14 days after you take 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, vinegar's, and sauces contain alcohol.

Contraindications

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.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue,
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,
unusually weak or tired,
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance,
dizziness,
drowsy, tired,
headache,
metallic or garlic taste,
nausea, vomiting.

Drug interaction

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
alcohol or any product that contains alcohol,
amprenavir,
cocaine,
lopinavir; ritonavir,
metronidazole,
oral solutions of ritonavir or sertraline,
paclitaxel,
paraldehyde,
tranylcypromine,
isoniazid,
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin,
phenytoin.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in a tight light resistant container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.