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Disulfiram
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About disulfiram
| Type of medicine | Aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor |
| Used for | Used to treat drinking problems |
| Also called | Antabuse 200 |
| Available as | Tablets |
Disulfiram works by interfering with the way the body breaks down alcohol.
Before taking disulfiram
Before taking disulfiram make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart failure.
- If you suffer from heart disease.
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have experienced mental health problems.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a group of disorders of certain enzymes relating to blood)
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
- If you suffer from epilepsy.
- If you suffer from lung disease.
How to take disulfiram
- Disulfiram is usually given in hospital or in a clinic.
- You must not drink alcohol during or for 1 week after stopping treatment.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Disulfiram is usually started in hospital/clinic and then it is supervised by a specialist.
- If you drink alcohol while taking disulfiram, a flushing reaction occurs.
- In addition, you may feel or be sick, your heart rate may beat faster, you may feel dizzy or get a headache.
- These symptoms, known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction, vary in how bad they are from person to person.
- Certain foods, liquid medicines, toiletries, perfumes and aerosol sprays may contain enough alcohol to cause a disulfiram-alcohol reaction.
- Low alcohol and "non-alcohol" or "alcohol-free" beers and wines, may cause a reaction when taken in large enough quantities.
Can disulfiram cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid. |
| Drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. |
How to store disulfiram
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3347 |
DocRef: dils2334 |
Last Updated: 19 Apr 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 18 Apr 2009 |
Version: 22 |
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