Disulfiram

What is DISULFIRAM?

(DISULFIRAM) This medication is used along with counseling and support to treat alcoholism. Disulfiram works by blocking the processing of alcohol in the body. This causes you to have a bad reaction when you drink alcohol.

How should I use DISULFIRAM?

See also Precautions section. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. If this medication causes drowsiness, take it at bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take DISULFIRAM?

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Before taking disulfiram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to thiuram or thiuram-related chemicals (found in pesticides and rubber); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart/blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease), mental/mood disorders, 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. Avoid all alcoholic beverages or alcohol-containing products/foods (such as cough and cold syrups, mouthwash, aftershave, sauces, vinegars) while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication. Check all product labels carefully to make sure that there is no alcohol in the product. Using alcohol, even a small amount, 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. Tell your doctor right away if these symptoms occur, especially if they last or get worse. A more serious reaction with this medication and alcohol may include trouble breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, chest/jaw/left arm pain. Get medical help right away if you have these symptoms. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with DISULFIRAM?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: alcohol-containing products (such as cough and cold syrups, aftershave), amitriptyline, benznidazole, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), certain medications for seizures (including hydantoins such as phenytoin/fosphenytoin), fezolinetant, isoniazid, metronidazole, theophylline, tinidazole. This medication can increase the side effects of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine VMA/HVA tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What should I watch for while using DISULFIRAM?

This medication should not be given to a patient without their knowledge. Do not take this medication if you are under the influence of alcohol or have drunk alcohol in the last 12 hours.

What if I miss a dose of DISULFIRAM?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving DISULFIRAM?

Drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, and metallic/garlic-like taste in the mouth may occur as your body gets used to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased sexual ability, vision changes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, extreme excitement), seizures. This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep DISULFIRAM?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.