Chemical Name:  Disulfiram

Brand Name:  Antabuse

Manufacturer:  Wyeth-Ayerst

Description:  Blocks oxidation of alcohol at the acetaldehyde stage.  Excess acetaldehyde in the blood  produces a highly unpleasant reaction in the presence of even small amounts of alcohol.

Indications and Use:  Adjunct in management of selected patients with chronic alcoholism.  Antabuse is not a cure.  When used alone, without proper psychotherapeutic treatment and support, it is not likely to have a significant effect on the drinking habits of the patient.  

Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions:  Contraindicated during alcohol intoxication and within 12 hours of alcohol ingestion.  Antabuse should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to disulfiram or to other thiram derivatives used in pesticides and rubber vulcanization and in those with psychoses, myocardial disease, or coronary occlusion, and in patients receiving  metronidazole, paraldehyde, alcohol, or alcohol-containing preparations.  Use with caution in patients taking phenytoin and its congeners, since taking these two drugs together can lead to phenytoin intoxication. This medication should not be given during pregnancy.  Antabuse should never be given to a patient without his or her knowledge.  Severe reaction or death could result if patient ingests alcohol.  The antabuse - alcohol reaction produces flushing, throbbing headache, throbbing in the head and neck, respiratory difficulty, nausea, copious vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitations, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, increased heartrate, decreased blood pressure, fainting, marked uneasiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, and confusion.

Adverse Reactions:  Possible life threatening adverse reactions include respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, seizures, unconsciousness, or death.

Dosing Range:  In adults 250 to 500 mg as a single dose in morning for 1 to 2 weeks or in evening if drowsiness occurs.  Maintenance dosage is 125 to 500 mg daily until permanent self control is established.  Treatment may continue for months or years.

These pages are solely for public informational purposes. The information cannot be relied on to make diagnoses or prescribe treatment in any individual. Persons who require such services should consult with a licensed professional.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007