DRUG TITLE

Antabuse (Disulfiram)

THE USE OF THE MEDICINE

This medication is used to treat alcoholism. The drug is not a cure for alcoholism and must be used in combination with supportive therapy and counseling. This drug should never be used without the knowledge of man.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Take it orally, usually one or two tablets a day as directed by the physician. The tablets may be crushed or mixed with liquid if there are problems with swallowing. Do not take this medicine for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol. In taking this medication, it is essential that you avoid alcohol in all forms including beer, wine, aftershave lotions, mouthwash, colognes, liquid medications. Read labels carefully, including OTC products, and ask your pharmacist about the alcohol content, if you are not sure.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Antabuse creates sensitivity to alcohol, which leads to a very unpleasant reaction when the patient uses the treatment of even small amounts of alcohol. Antabuse blocks the oxidation of alcohol to acetaldehyde stage. During alcohol metabolism after ingestion Antabuse, the concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood may be 5 to 10 times higher than in the metabolism of the same amount of alcohol without the drug. Accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood creates a complex of unpleasant symptoms called Antabuse-alcohol reaction. This reaction, which is proportional to the reception Antabuse and alcohol, will persist as long as alcohol is metabolized. Antabuse does not have effect on the rate of removal of alcohol from the body.

MISSED DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Keep taking the drug with the same intervals, as your doctor prescribed.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature of 15 ° to 30 ° C in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light.

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Tell your doctor about your medical history, including: heart disease, liver or kidney disease, mental illness, diabetes, allergies (especially to rubber or pesticides).

This drug causes tolerance to alcohol. Drinking alcohol during this drug can cause serious consequences that can last from 30 minutes to several hours. It produces unpleasant flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, blurred vision or weakness while taking even small amounts of alcohol.

These Antabuse-alcohol reactions can take up to two weeks after stopping medication. Since Antabuse may cause drowsiness, use caution when driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. During pregnancy Antabuse should be used only when really necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before breast-feed.

SIDE EFFECTS

This medication may cause headache, drowsiness, anxiety, skin rashes, acne, garlic taste in your mouth, blurred vision. Tell your doctor if any of these effects persists or worsens. Not likely to happen, but immediately report: tingling hands or feet, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do not use this medicine to other people that it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other diseases.

If you take this medicine for an extended period of time, do not forget to renew a prescription to receive it before your medicine is over