Disulfiram is a drug to help overcome alcohol addiction by causing a sensation and discomfort when sufferers consume alcohol. This drug cannot cure alcohol addiction. Disulfiram is available in tablet form.
Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant effects, such as chest pain, vomiting, headaches or palpitations, when sufferers consume alcoholic beverages. It is hoped that this feeling and uncomfortable sensation will reduce the desire to consume alcoholic beverages.
This medication is only used to help alcoholics who are undergoing behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or counselling.
Trademarks of disulfiram: -
What is Disulfiram
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Alcohol antagonist |
| Benefit | Helps overcome alcohol addiction |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Disulfiram for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies in experimental animals show an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether Disulfiram is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
- Precautions Before Taking Disulfiram
Disulfiram should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are some things you need to pay attention to before consuming disulfiram:
Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Disulfiram should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have liver disease , kidney disease, diabetes , seizures, epilepsy , head injury, thyroid disease , mental disorders, such as psychosis .
Tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, certain herbal products, or medications, including metronidazole or paraldehyde .
Do not consume alcohol or products containing alcohol while taking disulfiram for up to 14 days after stopping use of this medication.
Avoid driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness after taking disulfiram, because this drug can cause drowsiness.
Tell your doctor that you are taking disulfiram if you are planning to have surgery or certain medical procedures.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking disulfiram.
Dosage and Rules for Use Disulfiram
The dose of disulfiram will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. In general, to overcome alcohol addiction the first day dose is 800 mg once a day. The dose will be reduced by 200 mg per day to a maintenance dose of 100–200 mg per day.
How to Take Disulfiram Properly
Take disulfiram according to doctor 's instructions and instructions on the drug packaging. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor first.
This drug cannot cure alcohol addiction, but it will cause unpleasant sensations and after consuming alcohol.
While undergoing treatment with disulfiram you should not consume alcohol, or other products that contain alcohol, including mouthwash, cough syrup, or added sweeteners.
Disulfiram tablets are recommended to be consumed in the morning, before or after meals. If you feel sleepy after taking disulfiram, try taking it at night before going to bed.
If you forget to take disulfiram, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearing time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your disulfiram dose to make up for a missed dose.
Store disulfiram in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep disulfiram out of reach of children.
Interactions of Disulfiram with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that can occur if disulfiram is taken with certain drugs, including:
Enhanced toxic effect of metronidazole
Increased effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs, phenytoin , or theophylline
Increased risk of behavioral disorders when used with benzodiazepine drugs
Increased levels of disulfiram in the blood when used with paraldehyde
Increased effect or uncomfortable reaction when taken with amitriptyiline or chlorpromazine
Increased risk of brain damage if taken with pimozide
Disulfiram Side Effects and Dangers
Apart from causing a reaction or sensation of discomfort after consuming alcohol, there are several other side effects that can arise after consuming disulfiram, namely:
Drowsiness
Unusual fatigue
Headache
Pimples appear
A metallic or onion taste in the mouth
Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
Decreased sexual desire or impotence
Mood changes, such as restlessness, confusion, or unusual excitement
Impaired vision, tingling , or seizures
Severe stomach pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice