| | Medication Information:
Disulfiram (generic) ~ Antabuse (brand) Classification: Antialcoholic
Common Usage: To induce and maintain sobriety CommonMajor Side Effects: The most common are drowsiness, tired feeling,
headache, restlessness, nerve pain, blurred or impaired vision, metallic or
garlic taste* and sometimes dermatitis. This is not a complete list of all
known or potential adverse effects. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any
symptoms that concern you that have started since you began taking this
medication, or if you have changed the dose, or added or changed other
medication.
*Denotes side effects that may go away or lessen after 2 weeks. Interactions with Other Medications: Even with the smallest amount of
alcohol, most patients will experience flushing, throbbing headaches, troubled
or rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, sweating, heart palpitations, fainting,
severe weakness, extreme blurred vision and confusion. Larger amounts of
alcohol can lead to more serious problems, including seizures, heart attack and
death. Ti is imperative that this drug not be given to anyone who has had
alcohol of any form 12 hours prior to taking disulfiram. This includes
mouthwashes, vinegars or any liquid medications (prescription or
over-the-counter). Check all labels carefully or consult your pharmacist
if you are unsure. Also, any cosmetics (i.e., colognes, after-shaves,
lotions or sprays) in which alcohol may be absorbed through the skin, and foods
containing alcohol-based sauces or marinades should be avoided. Reactions
have been known to occur for as long as up to 2 weeks after the last dose of
disulfiram. Disulfiram may make some benzodiazepines such as Valium and
Librium increase drowsiness in some patients. Patients on tricyclic
antidepressants (such as Elavil, Tofranil, etc.) of Flagyl (metronidazole) may
become confused or have changes in behavior. This may also happen with
Isoniazid. This drug may also affect some anti-seizure medications, such
as Dilantin (phenytoin), Peganone (ethotoin) and Mesantoin (mephenytoin), as
well as patients taking Coumadin (warfarin) for blood thinning, making it
necessary to adjust dosages on these drugs. Caffeine may increase certain
side effects such as headache, heart palpitations, and flushing. Patients
who are allergic to pesticides and rubber products containing thiuram may also
have an allergic reaction to this drug. Always carry identification to
alert emergency medical services that you are taking this drug, along with your
physician's telephone number and the telephone number of your pharmacy.
This is not a complete list of all known potential drug interactions. To
help prevent avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all
prescribers know all of the medications you are taking. This includes
over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: The treatment is usually started at 500 mg per day, for 1 to 2
weeks. Patients may then go on a maintenance therapy, ranging from 125 mg
to 500 mg per day. The length of time that a patient is on maintenance
depends upon his or her individual success, and may vary form a few months to a
few years. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist if you change3 your dose
or discontinue this medication for any reason. Identification: The drug is available in generic form from various
manufactures. The brand name is a round, scored tablet that comes in both
250 mg and 500 mg strengths. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, child-, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by Stephen R.
Saklad, Pharm.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
