Skip to main content

Disulfiram Oral Tablet (DISULFIRAM - ORAL)

For treating 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.

  • loss of balance
  • vomiting

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.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.