- Brand Name : Antabuse
- Drug Class : Psychiatry Agents Other
- Medical Author : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
- Medical Reviewer :
- _eael_post_view_count : 9
What Is Disulfiram and How Does It Work?
Disulfiram is a prescription medication used to treat Alcoholism.
- Disulfiram is available under the following different brand names: Antabuse.
What Are Dosages of Disulfiram?
Adult dosage
Tablet
- 250mg
- 500mg
Alcoholism
Adult dosage
- Only administer after the patient has abstained from ethanol for at least 12 hours
- 500 mg orally once daily initially for 1-2 weeks; not to exceed 500 mg/day
- Maintenance: 250 mg orally once daily (125-500 mg range); continue therapy until a basis for self-control has been established; patient may continue to take drug therapy for months or even years.
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”.
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Disulfiram?
Common side effects of Disulfiram include:
- skin rash,
- acne,
- mild headache,
- tiredness,
- impotence,
- loss of interest in sex, and
- metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth
Serious side effects of Disulfiram include:
- hives,
- difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
- sweating,
- increased thirst,
- swelling,
- rapid weight gain,
- nausea,
- severe vomiting,
- neck pain,
- throbbing headache,
- blurred vision,
- chest pain,
- shortness of breath,
- fast, slow, or pounding heartbeats,
- fluttering in the chest,
- confusion,
- weakness,
- spinning sensation,
- feeling unsteady,
- lightheadedness,
- severe chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder,
- weak pulse,
- seizure,
- fainting,
- weak or shallow breathing,
- slow breathing or breathing that stops,
- eye pain,
- sudden vision loss,
- unusual thoughts or behavior,
- upper stomach pain,
- itching,
- tiredness,
- loss of appetite,
- dark urine,
- clay-colored stools, and
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Rare side effects of Disulfiram include:
- none
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.