Generic name:disulfiram [ dye-SUL-fi-ram ]
Drug class:Drugs used in alcohol dependence
What is Antabuse?
Antabuse blocks an enzyme that is involved in processing alcohol. Disulfiram produces very unpleasant side effects (such as fast heartbeat, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, flushing, and thirst) when combined with alcohol in the body.
Antabuse is used in certain people with chronic alcoholism. This medicine can help keep you from drinking because of the unpleasant side effects that will occur if you consume alcohol while taking Antabuse.
Antabuse is used together with therapy and counseling support to help you stop drinking. This medicine is not a cure for alcoholism.
Warnings
You should not use Antabuse if you have recently taken metronidazole or paraldehyde, or if you have consumed any foods or products that contain alcohol (mouthwash, cough medicine, cooking wine or vinegar, certain desserts, and others).
Antabuse should never be given to a person without his or her knowledge of taking the medicine.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Antabuse if you have consumed alcohol within the past 12 hours. Do not drink alcohol while taking disulfiram and for up to 14 days after you stop taking this medicine.
You should not use Antabuse if you are allergic to disulfiram, or if:
you have recently taken metronidazole (Flagyl) or paraldehyde;
you have consumed any foods or products that contain alcohol (mouthwash, cough medicine, cooking wine or vinegar, certain desserts, and others).
you have severe heart disease or blockage in the arteries of your heart; or
you have been diagnosed with psychosis.
To make sure Antabuse is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver or kidney disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, hi...
