Disulfiram tablets

What are disulfiram tablets?

DISULFIRAM (Antabuse®) can help patients with an alcohol abuse problem not to drink alcohol. It is not a cure for alcoholism. When taken with alcohol, disulfiram produces very unpleasant effects, such as severe headache, flushing, vomiting and chest pain. Taking disulfiram is part of a recovery program that includes medical supervision and counseling. Generic disulfiram tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take disulfiram?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• blood disease

• diabetes

• heart, kidney, or liver disease

• recent exposure to alcohol, or any medicines containing alcohol

• seizures (convulsions)

• 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 should I take this medicine?

Take disulfiram tablets by mouth. You must never take disulfiram within 12 hours of taking alcohol. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid before taking. Disulfiram is usually taken in the morning, but if it makes you drowsy you can take it at bedtime. Take your doses regularly. Do not take your medicine more often than directed and do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a 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.

What drug(s) may interact with disulfiram?

• alcohol

• amprenavir

• carbamazepine

• certain antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, or imipenem; cilastatin

• chlorzoxazone

• cimetidine

• cocaine

• doxercalciferol

• fluconazole

• isoniazid

• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping

• metronidazole

• phenytoin

• propranolol

• quinidine

• ramelteon

• rifampin

• sertraline

• theophylline

• verapamil

• voriconazole

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking disulfiram?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional or counselor for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking disulfiram except on your prescriber's advice.

Never take alcohol or use toiletries that contain alcohol. Always read labels carefully.

Many cough syrups, liquid pain medications, tonics, mouthwash, aftershave lotions, colognes, liniments, vinegars, or sauces contain alcohol. Avoid inhaling the fumes of paints, paint thinners, or other products that contain organic solvents. Reactions can occur for up to 2 weeks after you stop taking disulfiram.

The following reactions can occur if you take alcohol with, or within 14 days of stopping disulfiram therapy: blurred vision; chest pain and fast or pounding heartbeat; dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; nervousness and confusion; severe nausea, vomiting; increased sweating; increased thirst; throbbing headache and neck pain; weakness.

Make sure that family members or others in your household know about this medicine and what to do in an emergency. They must never give you disulfiram if you have been drinking alcohol.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how disulfiram affects you.

Carry an identification card with your name, name and dose of medicine being used, and name and phone number of your prescriber or health care professional and/or person to contact in an emergency.

Do not treat yourself with medicines for coughs, colds, or allergies while you are taking disulfiram; they may add to its effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from taking disulfiram?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision

• confusion, disorientation, irritability

• numbness, pain, tingling in the hands or feet

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness, drowsiness

• headache

• tiredness

• sexual difficulty (impotence)

• skin reactions

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.