Antabuse

What is Antabuse?

Antabuse inhibits an enzyme that plays a role in the processing of alcohol. Disulfiram can cause extremely undesirable adverse effects (such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, chest pain, flushing, dizziness, and loss of thirst) when mixed with alcohol.Antabuse is prescribed to certain individuals suffering from chronic alcoholism. It can prevent people from drinking due to the negative consequences that may result if you drink alcohol while taking Antabuse.Antabuse can be used in conjunction with counselling and therapy to assist you in stopping drinking. This medication isn't an effective treatment for alcoholism.

Warnings

It is recommended not to take Antabuse if you've recently taken paraldehyde or metronidazole or consumed any food items or drinks that contain alcohol (mouthwash, cough medicine, vinegar, cooking wine, certain desserts, and many others).Antabuse shouldn't be given to someone without their prior knowledge of the medication.

Before you take this drug

Don't take Antabuse in the event that you've had alcohol in the last 12 hours. Don't consume alcohol when taking disulfiram, and for up to 14 days following the time you stop taking this medication.

It is not recommended to take Antabuse in the event that you are allergic to disulfiram or:

• You've recently consumed Metronidazole (Flagyl) and paraldehyde.
• You've consumed any food or products containing alcohol (mouthwash or cough medicine, cooking wine, vinegar, certain desserts, and other items).
• You suffer from severe heart disease or blockage of the heart's arteries or
• You have received a diagnosis of psychosis.

To ensure that Antabuse is appropriate for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:

• Kidney disease or liver failure;
• Heart disease: high blood pressure; heart disease: the history of a stroke or heart attack;
• Thyroid that is not active;
• Diabetes;
• Seizures or epilepsy;
• Head injury or brain damage;
• Mental illness;
• A rubber allergy
• If you are taking phenytoin (dilantin), tuberculosis medication, or blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin, or jantoven),

It isn't known if antabuse can harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor if you are expecting or planning to have a baby while taking this medication.It isn't known if antabuse can be absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm nursing babies. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medication.Avoid giving this medication to anyone younger than 18 years of age without a medical recommendation.

How to take Antabuse?

Use Antabuse exactly as prescribed by your physician. Be sure to carefully follow all instructions found on your prescription label.Your doctor may change the dosage to ensure you receive the most effective outcomes. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer periods than the recommended time.You'll require frequent blood tests to monitor your liver's functioning.Wear a medical alert tag or have an ID card showing that you are taking Antabuse. Any doctor who cares for you must know that you're taking disulfiram.If antabuse is prescribed as part of a programme for treatment to treat alcohol dependence or detoxification The doctor could suggest that this medication be given to you by a member of your family or a caregivThis will ensure you're taking the medication according to the prescription for your treatment.Counselling and/or monitoring could be suggested in the course of treatment.To get the best results, continue the medication in accordance with its instructions. Antabuse may be used for several months or even years.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Make sure to take the missed dose when you remember. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the remaining doses should be taken at evenly spaced intervals.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid drinking alcohol when you are using Antabuse. Avoid situations that could encourage you to drink alcohol.Be aware that many popular products have small quantities of alcohol that could cause an antabuse reaction. These include aftershave, cologne antiperspirant, mouthwash antiseptic skin products, astringent hair dyes, and other products. Examine the label to find out whether any medicine or food product is a source of alcohol. Reach out to your pharmacist if any concerns arise.Avoid contact with non-consumable items that contain alcohol, such as paint thinners, solvent lacquers, stains, and so on.Avoid coming into contact with or breathing in chemical fumes that are produced by pesticides and chemicals that are used in manufacturing or various other fields (waxes, dyes, resins, and even gum).

Side effects of Antabuse

See a doctor immediately. If you notice any of the following symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

Alcohol in small quantities can cause unpleasant side effects when antabuse is present in your body. The symptoms are:

• Flushing (the warmth of redness or a tingly sensation);
• Sweating, thirstyness, swelling, and rapid weight gain.
• Nausea, severe vomiting;
• Neck pain, throbbing headaches, blurred vision, neck pain
• Chest discomfort, breathlessness (even when exerting only a little);
• Rapid heartbeats, pounding beats, or fluttering around your chest.
• Disorientation, weakness, or a spinning sensation; feeling unstable and shaky;
• Feeling lightheaded as though they might faint.

The most severe symptoms could be observed; more severe symptoms may occur. Antabuse as well as large amounts of alcohol are mixed, like extreme chest pain that spreads into your shoulder or jaw and a slow heart rate. Seizures, a weak pulse, fainting, weak or slow breathing, or the slowness of breathing (breathing might cease). Disulfiram-alcohol reactions can cause death.

Contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:

• Eye pain or sudden vision loss;
• Tingling or numbness
• Incomprehension, unusual thoughts, or behaviour;
• Indications of liver problems, including nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, fatigue feeling, lack of appetite, black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common antabuse side effects can include:

• Acne, rashes;
• Mild fatigue, headache;
• Impotence, lack of interest in sex
• A garlic or metallic taste is present inside the mouth.

This list doesn't constitute an exhaustive selection of possible adverse reactions.other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. Report any adverse side effects directly to the fda by calling their toll free number 1-800-fda-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Inform your physician about the medicines you take as well as the ones you begin or stop using in the course of treatment, particularly:

• Seizure medication, such as the seizure medication phenytoin (dilantin).
• Blood thinners (including warfarin coumadin, jantoven) as well as

This list isn't complete, and there are other medications that could be incompatible with disulfiram, such as medicines that are available on prescription or over-the-counter, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform all of your health professionals about any medications you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start taking.