Disulfiram Tablets

What is this medication?

DISULFIRAM (dye SUL fi ram) treats alcohol use disorder in people who no longer consume alcohol. It works by causing severe discomfort if you drink alcohol. It is most effective when used in combination with counseling and behavior therapy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Antabuse

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Brain damage
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health condition
• Recent exposure to alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
• Seizures
• Taking metronidazole or paraldehyde
• Under-active thyroid
• An unusual or allergic reaction to disulfiram, pesticides or rubber products, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medication within 12 hours of ingesting any alcohol. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid before taking. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
• Amprenavir
• Cocaine
• Lopinavir, ritonavir
• Metronidazole
• Oral solutions of ritonavir or sertraline
• Paclitaxel
• Paraldehyde
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Isoniazid
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
• Phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

Never take this medication if you have been drinking alcohol. Make sure that family members or others in your household know about this medication and what to do in an emergency. When this medication is taken with even small amounts of alcohol, it will produce very unpleasant effects. You may get a throbbing headache, flushing, vomiting, weakness, and chest pain. Breathing and heart problems, seizures, and death can occur. This medication can react with alcohol even 14 days after you take your last dose.

Never take products or use toiletries that contain alcohol. Always read labels carefully. Many cough syrups, liquid pain medications, tonics, mouthwashes, after shave lotions, colognes, liniments, vinegars, and sauces contain alcohol.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you are taking this medication. Carry an identification card with your name, name and dose of medication being used, and name and phone number of your care team and/or person to contact in an emergency.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Eye pain, change in vision, vision loss
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Metallic taste in mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the container it is dispensed in. Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.