Disulfiram

Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism. It causes unpleasant effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. These effects include flushing of the face, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. These effects begin about 10 minutes after alcohol enters the body and last for 1 hour or more. Disulfiram is not a cure for alcoholism, but discourages drinking. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Disulfiram comes in tablets to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take disulfiram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow the tablets, crush them and mix the medication with water, coffee, tea, milk, soft drink, or fruit juice.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Disulfiram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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skin rash</li>
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acne</li>
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mild headache</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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tiredness</li>
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impotence</li>
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metallic taste or garlic-like taste in the mouth</li></ul>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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excessive tiredness</li>
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weakness</li>
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lack of energy</li>
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loss of appetitie</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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yellowness of the skin or eyes</li>
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dark urine</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>

Before taking disulfiram, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to disulfiram or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amitriptyline (Elavil), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), isoniazid, metronidazole (Flagyl), phenytoin (Dilantin), any nonprescription drugs that might contain alcohol, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, thyroid disease, epilepsy, brain damage, or kidney or liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking disulfiram. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.