The medicine blocks an enzyme that's involved in metabolizing alcohol.
Antabuse causes unpleasant symptoms when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. People should be made aware of this when they are prescribed Antabuse.
These effects typically begin about 10 minutes after alcohol enters the body, and they last for about an hour.
Antabuse is meant to be used in combination with other forms of therapy, including behavior modification, counseling, and psychotherapy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Antabuse in 1951. It's currently manufactured (as generic disulfiram) by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Antabuse Warnings
Antabuse contains a black-box warning because the drug should never be given to someone without that person's knowledge.Combining Antabuse with alcohol — such as by taking it while already drunk — can cause a fatal reaction.
Don't take Antabuse if you've consumed alcohol within the past 12 hours. Don't drink alcohol while taking the drug or for up to 14 days after you stop taking it.
When Antabuse is combined with alcohol, it may cause symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushing of the face
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing, or choking
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Epilepsy
- Brain damage or a head injury
- Mental illness
- Heart disease
- A heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Allergies to medications
You shouldn't use Antabuse if you've recently taken the drugs Flagyl (metronidazole) or paraldehyde.
Many common foods and other products may contain a small amount of alcohol that can cause a reaction with Antabuse.
These products include:
- Mouthwash
- Cough medicines
- Cooking wine or vinegar
- Certain desserts
- Cologne or perfume
- Aftershave
- Antiperspirants
- Antiseptic astringent skin products
- Hair dyes
- Paint thinners, solvents, stains, and lacquers
- Waxes, dyes, resins, and gums
You'll need frequent blood tests to check your liver function while taking Antabuse. Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.
All medical professionals who treat you should know that you're taking Antabuse.
In case of an emergency situation, it's a good idea to wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card that says you take the drug.
Children under age 18 shouldn't take Antabuse unless a doctor recommends it.
Pregnancy and Antabuse
It's not known whether Antabuse can harm an unborn baby.Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, before taking this medicine.
It's also not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or could hurt a breastfeeding baby.
Don't breastfeed while taking Antabuse without talking to your doctor first.
Antabuse Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Antabuse
Tell your doctor if any of the symptoms listed in the Warnings section above, or any of the following side effects, become severe or don't go away:- Skin rash
- Acne
- Mild headache
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Metallic taste or garlic-like taste in mouth
- Impotence or lack of interest in sex
Serious Side Effects of Antabuse
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:- Signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Confusion
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Slow heart rate or weak pulse
- Severe chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Eye pain or sudden vision loss
Antabuse Interactions
- Any prescription or non-prescription drugs that might contain alcohol
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin)
- Dilantin (phenytoin)
- Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Isoniazid
- Vitamins
Antabuse and Other Interactions
Antabuse can make you drowsy.Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Antabuse Dosage
Antabuse comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It's typically taken once a day.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine. Don't take more or less Antabuse than your doctor recommends.
If you can't swallow the Antabuse tablets, you can crush them and mix with water, tea, coffee, milk, juice, or a soft drink.
Your doctor may recommend that a family member or other caregiver administer your dose of Antabuse. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.
Don't take extra Antabuse to make up for a missed dose.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine. Don't take more or less Antabuse than your doctor recommends.
If you can't swallow the Antabuse tablets, you can crush them and mix with water, tea, coffee, milk, juice, or a soft drink.
Your doctor may recommend that a family member or other caregiver administer your dose of Antabuse. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Antabuse Overdose
Symptoms of an Antabuse overdose may include:- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Missed Dose of Antabuse
If you miss a dose of Antabuse, take it as soon as you remember.But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.
Don't take extra Antabuse to make up for a missed dose.
Antabuse Pictures
