This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- drug addiction
- alcohol dependence
Brand Name(s): Antabuse
Generic Name: Disulfiram
Instructions
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Keep the desiccant (drying) packet in the bottle and keep the bottle closed tightly.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Avoid all alcohol-containing foods (e.g. sauces, vinegars) and products (e.g. cough and cold medicines, mouthwash, aftershave) while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.
Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- acne
- drowsiness or sedation
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- changes in taste or unpleasant taste
If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- confusion
- pain in the eye
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- impotence
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- muscle weakness
- seizures
- problems with sexual functions or desire
- skin tingling, burning or prickly feeling
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use.
More information about DISULFIRAM - ORAL
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.