Indications 

Antabuse is an enzyme-blocking medication that interferes with alcohol metabolism. This drug is primarily used to treat individuals with chronic alcoholism, as it can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, including but not limited to fast heartbeat, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, flushing, and thirst, if alcohol is consumed while taking the medication.  

Antabuse is typically used in combination with therapy and counseling to help individuals abstain from alcohol consumption, this is not intended to serve as a cure for alcoholism. 

Uses and Dosage 

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and do not take Antabuse in larger or smaller amounts or for a longer period than recommended. Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dose to achieve the best outcome. 

You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card indicating that you are taking Antabuse, so that medical professionals who treat you are aware of this fact. 

If Antabuse is part of your alcohol addiction treatment program, your doctor may recommend that a family member or caregiver administers the medication to ensure compliance. 

Antabuse can be taken with or without food, once a day in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If it causes drowsiness, you can take it at bedtime. 

Your dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to therapy, with a maximum daily dose of 500 milligrams. Take Antabuse regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. 

Side Effects 

Allergic Reactions 

• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Severe Side Effects

Symptoms of a disulfiram-alcohol reaction: 

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) 
• Sweating, increased thirst, swelling, rapid weight gain 
• Nausea, severe vomiting 
• Neck pain, throbbing headache, or blurred vision 
• Chest pain or shortness of breath (even with mild exertion) 
• Fast or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest 
• Confusion, weakness, spinning sensation, or feeling unsteady 
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out 

More severe symptoms when Antabuse is combined with large amounts of alcohol: 

• Severe chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder 
• Slow heart rate or weak pulse 
• Seizure or fainting 
• Weak or shallow breathing, or slow breathing (breathing may stop) 
• Disulfiram-alcohol reaction can be fatal 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: 

• Eye pain or sudden vision loss 
• Numbness or tingling 
• Confusion or unusual thoughts or behavior 
• Signs of liver problems including:
  • Nausea
  • Upper stomach pain
  • Itching
  • Tired feeling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 

Common Side Effects  

• Skin rash or acne 
• Mild headache or tired feeling 
• Impotence or loss of interest in sex 
• Metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth 

Caution 

Prior to taking disulfiram, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to disulfiram, thiuram, thiuram-related chemicals found in pesticides and rubber, or have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients present in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems, thus talking to your pharmacist for more details is advised. 

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions such as severe heart/blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease), or a certain mental/mood condition (psychosis). Prior to using this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist and inform them of your medical history, especially if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), brain disorders (such as seizures, brain damage), kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs. 

While taking this medication, avoid all alcoholic beverages or alcohol-containing products/foods (such as cough and cold syrups, mouthwash, aftershave, sauces, vinegars) and to check all product labels carefully to make sure that there is no alcohol in the product.  

Using alcohol, even in small amounts, while taking this medication can lead to a reaction that may include flushing, throbbing headache, breathing problems (such as shortness of breath, fast breathing), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme tiredness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, or blurred vision. These symptoms can last from 30 minutes to several hours. In case of these symptoms or if they persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately. 

A more serious reaction may occur with this medication and alcohol, including trouble breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, chest/jaw/left arm pain. In such cases, immediate medical attention should be sought.