$Unique_ID{BRK01937}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DISULFIRAM}
$Subject{Antabuse (Wyeth-Ayerst)
disulfiram (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DISULFIRAM
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Antabuse (Wyeth-Ayerst)
     disulfiram (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antialcoholic
INGREDIENT:
     disulfiram
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)
STORAGE:
     Disulfiram should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Disulfiram is used as an aid to treat alcoholics who are strongly
motivated to remain sober.  Disulfiram blocks the breakdown of alcohol by the
body, leading to an accumulation of the chemical acetaldehyde in the
bloodstream.  Buildup of acetaldehyde in the body can lead to a severe and
very unpleasant reaction after alcohol consumption.  Alcohol must, therefore,
be avoided to prevent this reaction.

TREATMENT

     Disulfiram can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  The tablets can also be crushed and mixed with
beverages (nonalcoholic).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Drowsiness, fatigue, headache, metallic or garlic-like aftertaste, and
restlessness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, impotence, joint pain, mental disorders, skin rash, tingling
sensations, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Disulfiram interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can increase the blood levels and side effects of diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide, phenytoin, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as
warfarin).
     2. Concurrent use of disulfiram with isoniazid, antidepressants,
metronidazole, or marijuana can lead to severe reactions.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.  Also, be sure to tell your
doctor if you use marijuana.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to disulfiram, rubber, pesticides, or fungicides.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have ever had brain damage, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, heart
disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental disorders, or thyroid disease.
     * It is important not to drink or to use any alcohol-containing
preparations, medications, or foods (including beer, elixirs, tonics, wine,
liquor, vinegar, sauces, after-shave lotions, liniments, or colognes) while
taking this medication.  Be sure to check the labels on any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) products for their alcohol content, especially cough syrups,
mouthwashes, and gargles.
     * It is important that you understand the serious nature of the
disulfiram-alcohol reaction.  If you take disulfiram within 12 hours after
ingesting alcohol or drink alcohol within two weeks after your last dose of
disulfiram, you may experience blurred vision, chest pain, confusion,
dizziness, fainting, flushing, headache, nausea, pounding heartbeat, sweating,
vomiting, or weakness.  The reaction usually occurs within five to ten minutes
of drinking alcohol and can last from half an hour to two hours, depending on
the dose of disulfiram and the quantity of alcohol ingested.
     * If this drug makes you drowsy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in both animals and humans whose mothers received disulfiram
during pregnancy.  It must also be kept in mind that alcohol, even in small
amounts, can cause a variety of birth defects when ingested during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks with your doctor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known if disulfiram passes into breast
milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
