Antabuse (Disulfiram)

Generic Equivalents   What's the difference?
Disulfiram
Disulfiram

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Antabuse (Disulfiram)

Antabuse (Disulfiram) is a drug that helps people recover from alcohol. Antabuse, which acts as a deterrent to alcohol intake, can help you overcome the challenges connected with alcohol use disorder.

Why Choose Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

  • Prevents Alcohol Consumption: Antabuse prevents alcohol consumption by inducing unpleasant bodily symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing.
  • Supports Recovery Goals: By limiting alcohol usage, Antabuse helps people stay sober.
  • Individual Empowerment: Provides a tangible step toward recovery, allowing people to take responsibility for their alcohol.

How to Use Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

  • Prescription Only: Antabuse is only available with a prescription and should be used as directed by a healthcare provider.
  • Dosage: The normal dose is 500 mg per day for the first 1-2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
  • Long-Term Use: Antabuse can be used as part of a long-term alcohol abstinence strategy, with effectiveness rising with following a full treatment plan that includes counseling and support groups.

Important Safety Information about Antabuse

  • Alcohol Reaction: Drinking alcohol while on Antabuse can cause severe effects. Avoid all forms of alcohol.
  • Medical conditions: Please notify your doctor if you have liver illness, diabetes, thyroid problems, epilepsy, or any other medical disorders.
  • Medication Interactions: Antabuse can interact with several drugs, including warfarin, metronidazole, and phenytoin. Always discuss your existing drugs with your healthcare provider.
  • Pregnancy and Nursing: The safety of Antabuse during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, you should consult your doctor.

Fact Table for Antabuse

Facts Details
Generic Name Disulfiram
Brand Name(s) Antabuse
Drug Class Alcohol Deterrents
FDA Approval Yes, first approved in the 1950s
Indicated Use To support the treatment and management of chronic alcoholism by creating an acute sensitivity to alcohol, and encouraging abstinence.
How It Works Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in metabolizing ethanol. As a result, acetaldehyde levels increase, leading to unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed.
Dosage Forms Tablet (to be taken orally)
Common Dosage Initial dose: 500 mg daily for 1-2 weeks. Maintenance dose: 250 mg daily. Maximum: 500 mg daily. Dosage can vary based on individual needs and responses.
Administration Should be taken orally, usually once daily. Can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects – Drowsiness, garlic-like or metallic taste, headache, fatigue.
Contraindications – Severe myocardial disease or coronary occlusion. – Patients with psychoses. – Hypersensitivity to disulfiram or other thiuram derivatives used in pesticides and rubber vulcanization.
Interactions – Alcohol in any form, including sauces, vinegar, and cough and cold medicines. – Certain medications like metronidazole, some anticoagulants, and phenytoin.
Precautions – Patients must be fully informed about the disulfiram-alcohol reaction. – Liver function tests should be conducted before starting treatment and periodically thereafter. – Not to be used in individuals who cannot understand or manage their drinking.
Pregnancy Category C (Risk not ruled out; should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.)
Nursing Considerations Not recommended due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.

 

Common Side Effects of Antabuse

Like all medications, Antabuse (Disulfiram) can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Understanding these side effects can help you use this medication safely and effectively.

  • Drowsiness
  • Garlic-like or metallic taste
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

If you experience any of these side effects or others, make sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice and may adjust your treatment if necessary. Report any severe or unexpected side effects immediately.

How Can You Buy Antabuse (Disulfiram)?

You can order Antabuse (Disulfiram) using these methods on our website:

  1. Order Online
  2. Order by Phone
  3. Order by Fax
  4. Order your refills

Visit our How to order page.

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Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS is a practicing clinical pharmacist that works in primary care. He supports other members of the healthcare team including physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, and other clinical staff. He also likes to use his drug knowledge to inform his patients and the public about the benefits and risks they can expect from their medications. His clinical specialties include: anticoagulation, diabetes management, and psychiatric care.
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