Antabuse is used to treat chronic alcoholism.

Antabuse may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important informationknow about Antabuse

Do not take Antabuse for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Reactions may occur from drinking alcohol for several weeks after you have stopped taking Antabuse.

Be aware of the alcohol content of other common products such as cough and cold medicines, mouth washes, tonics, sauces, vinegars, and other food products. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Antabuse?

liver disease,
kidney disease;
thyroid disease;
diabetes;
brain damage or mental disorders;
epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take Antabuse, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card that states you are taking Antabuse. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions about this.
Disulfiram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Disulfiram will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Disulfiram passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Antabuse without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Antabuse?

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a Antabuse overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking Antabuse?

Do not take Antabuse for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Reactions may occur from drinking alcohol for several weeks after you have stopped taking Antabuse.

Be aware of the alcohol content of other common products such as cough and cold medicines and food products. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

Tell your doctor (or dentist) that you are taking Antabuse before taking an antibiotic or before having surgery.

Do not come in contact or breathe the fumes of products that may contain alcohol including paint thinners, solvents, stains, lacquers and others. Use caution when applying or using products that may contain alcohol including aftershaves, mouthwashes, colognes, perfumes, antiseptics and others. Talk to your doctor or phaarmacist if you have questions regarding product alcohol content.

What are the possible side effects of Antabuse?

an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives);
seizures;
extreme tiredness;
dark urine;
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
large appetite changes;
weakness, dizziness or loss of coordination; or
severe diarrhea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Antabuse and talk to your doctor if you experience

skin rash or acne;
mild headaches;
mild drowsiness or tiredness;
impotence;
metallic taste in the mouth; or
swollen or sore tongue.

What other drugs will affect Antabuse?

isoniazid (Nydrazid);
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others;
a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
warfarin (Coumadin);
metronidazole (Flagyl);
theophylline (Theo-Dur);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Antabuse. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

What does my medication look like?