Context and a broad summary

Disulfiram, sold under the trade name Antabuse among others, is a prescription medication used to support abstinence from alcohol. It is not a cure but a behavioral aid: by producing an unpleasant physiologic response when alcohol is consumed, it deters drinking when used with counseling and constant monitoring. Disulfiram is one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that usually includes psychosocial support.

Navigation shortcuts: dosing details are under how to approach it with the addition of the correct dosage., safety issues are in safety and cautions issued, and advisory on legal issues appears at US legal and prescribing rules.

Brief facts

  • Active compound: disulfiram.
  • Purpose: creates an aversive reaction to alcohol to discourage drinking.
  • Typical tablet sizes: commonly 250 mg; 500 mg tablets are also available.
  • Route: oral. Tablets can be broken or crushed if swallowing is difficult.
  • Residual effect: sensitivity to alcohol may persist for up to 14 days after stopping the drug.

Details of the the device can be found in the the device document section. in what way it works. For side effect and emergency information see temporary side effects and emergencies.

How does this work?

Disulfiram inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. When a person drinks alcohol while under the influence of disulfiram, acetaldehyde accumulates. This buildup produces unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, intense pain of the head, nausea, vomiting, chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, dizziness, and profound weakness.

Although most reactions are unpleasant rather than life threatening, serious events such as heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, or fatal outcomes have been reported in rare cases. Because the enzyme inhibition can persist, patients must avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing products during therapy and for at least 14 days after the last dose. See a storage facility serves as a repository for goods awaiting use. and handling tasks for care of the medication and drug hazards of engagement and communication for medicines that may complicate therapy.

Take me to the topmost level of the page

How to take stock and set the proper dosage

Do exactly what the prescribing clinician instructed. Below are common points to discuss with your provider:

  • Swallow tablets with a full glass of water at the time of day recommended by your prescriber.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before the first dose and continue avoidance while taking disulfiram and for 14 days after stopping.
  • Do not alter the prescribed dose or schedule without consulting the prescriber.
  • If required, tablets can be crushed and mixed into a nonalcoholic vehicle for people with swallowing difficulties. Confirm appropriate methods with a pharmacist.
  • Do not abruptly stop treatment without medical advice; your clinician will provide instructions about discontinuation coupled with the alcohol-free period after the final dose.
  • Toddlers and adolescents require specialist dosing and supervision; do not give without expert advice.

If you have questions about timing or effective interacting with otherss require clear communication., refer to drug interaction warning hazards and safety and notice of risk.

Safety and advisories for safety

Do not take disulfiram if you have consumed alcohol recently or plan to drink. Even small amounts of ethanol in mouthwash, foods, or medications may trigger a severe reaction. Inform household members and caregivers that you are taking disulfiram and what to do if a reaction occurs.

Seek emergency medical help for serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Less severe but concerning reactions should be reported to your prescriber.

Common hidden alcohol sources include:

  • Mouthwash, breath sprays, and some oral hygiene rinses.
  • Aftershave, perfumes, colognes, and certain cosmetics.
  • Certain cough syrups, cold remedies, and some liquid pain medications.
  • Cooking wines, food extracts, vinegar from some sources, and some fermented or pickled foods.
  • Topical liniments, herbal tinctures, and supplements that list ethanol.

When in doubt, confirm ingredients with a pharmacist. Take another look, please who should sidestep it? and drug and medication the study maps how the act of engaging in dialogues evolve over time..

Who should not take disulfiram

Disulfiram may be inappropriate for some people. Discuss risks with your clinician if any of the following apply:

  • You have drunk alcohol recently or expect to be exposed to alcohol-containing products.
  • You are taking metronidazole, paraldehyde, or other contraindicated medicines.
  • You have active psychosis or a history of psychotic disorders.
  • You have severe heart disease or unstable coronary artery disease.
  • You have significant liver impairment.
  • You are allergic to disulfiram or related thiuram chemicals (found in some industrial products).
  • You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

People with kidney disease, seizure disorders, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or other major medical conditions should discuss individualized risk and performance monitoring plans with their prescriber.

Adverse effects and emergency signs

Seek urgent healthcare for suspected illness. any of the following serious signs:

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe upper right abdominal pain.
  • Severe changes in mental state such as confusion, hallucinations, or inability to recognize reality.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or a widespread itchy rash.
  • Marked weakness, very high fever, or sudden flu-like symptoms that worsen.
  • New neurologic problems such as numbness, sudden vision change, or seizures.
  • Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or loss of appetite with ongoing nausea.

Milder effects that commonly resolve include cephalalgia, fatigue, drowsiness, a metallic or garlic-like taste, nausea, and sexual indirect effects. Report persistent or worsening problems to your prescriber. If an alcohol-disulfiram reaction occurs, stop drinking and seek medical care if symptoms are severe.

Drug the process of interaction considerations

Disulfiram interacts with several medicines and substances. Inform your prescriber and pharmacist of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, supplements, and recreational drugs you use. Noteworthy exchanges include:

  • Indisputable situations where this drug is unsafe: metronidazole and paraldehyde; these can produce severe reactions.
  • Liquor and spirits-containing oral solutions or liquid formulations (for example, some liquid antivirals or antidepressants) can contain ethanol and should be avoided.
  • Certain protease inhibitor formulations such as ritonavir liquid forms may contain ethanol or interact in formulation-specific ways.
  • Chemotherapy agents: some may increase toxicity risk when combined with disulfiram.
  • Cocaine and other recreational stimulants can increase the risk of adverse outcomes when used with disulfiram.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may increase risk of adverse neuropsychiatric effects.

Drugs that require status monitoring or dose adjustment:

  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants: disulfiram may alter bleeding risk and INR tracking and monitoring of performance may be needed.
  • The hydantoin class drug phenytoin: disulfiram can influence serum levels and seizure threshold.
  • Isoniazid can be referred to as INH in medical records.: combined use increases liver toxicity risk and may affect the nervous system.

Always provide an up-to-date medication list to your healthcare team to avoid dangerous combinations.

How to act if you skip a dose

If you miss a single dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. If the next dose is upcoming, skip the the prescribed dose was missed and continue your schedule. Do not double up doses to make up for a miss. If you miss several doses or are unsure, contact your prescriber for tailored advice.

OD event: immediate medical actions

If an a non fatal overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or go directly to the nearest emergency department without delay. Bring the medication bottle and any remaining tablets so clinicians can identify the product and estimate the dose taken. Tell emergency responders about any recent alcohol intake, as this changes management.

On site modular storage systems allow easy reconfiguration. and maintenance

  • Keep all medications out of reach and sight of children and pets.
  • Store at typical room temperature, about 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F).
  • Protect tablets from excess light and moisture; keep them in the original, tightly closed container.
  • Dispose of expired or unused medicine according to local regulations or pharmacy take-back programs.

Return to the context page top

More choices and similar options

Depending on clinical goals, side effect profiles, and patient preference, other medications or strategies may be chosen instead of or in addition to disulfiram:

  • Naltrexone (oral, typically 50 mg daily): reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol and can decrease heavy drinking days.
  • Naltrexone extended-release injection (Vivitrol): given monthly; useful when adherence to daily pills is a problem but has higher per-dose cost.
  • Acamprosate (usually multiple daily tablets): supports maintenance of abstinence by modulating glutamate and GABA systems.
  • Off-label options such as topiramate or gabapentin are sometimes used; evidence and tolerability differ between patients.

Comparison points:

  • Disulfiram works by creating an aversive physiologic response to alcohol to deter consumption.
  • Naltrexone lowers craving plus the rewarding feeling associated with drinking, which may reduce relapse probability even if occasional drinking occurs.
  • Acamprosate is aimed at sustaining abstinence after detoxification with a an apparatus distinct from disulfiram or naltrexone.

See prices in the US to support rough cost comparisons statutory directives for how prescriptions are issued.

Approximate costs in the United States (USD)

Retail costs vary by pharmacy, region, discounts, and insurance. The ranges below are approximate and may change over time.

  • Generic disulfiram 250 mg: roughly $10 to $60 for a 30-tablet supply; bulk purchases lower per-tablet cost.
  • Generic disulfiram 500 mg: about $15 to $90 for 30 tablets depending on supplier.
  • Brand Antabuse: less commonly stocked; a 30-tablet supply can cost more than $150 to $300 when available.

Approximate costs for additional choices (before insurance):

  • Oral naltrexone 50 mg (generic): about $15 to $70 per month.
  • Naltrexone XR injection (Vivitrol): commonly $1500 to $2000 per monthly injection without discounts or insurance coverage.
  • Acamprosate 333 mg: often ranges from $60 to $180 per month depending on dose and pharmacy.

Cost reduction strategies: compare prices at local and online pharmacies, choose generics when available, ask about manufacturer assistance or coupons, and consult your insurer about formulary options and preferred pharmaceutical retailers.

Additional aspects about Antabuse