Antabuse: Clinically Proven Alcohol Dependence Treatment
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 90 | $0.51 | $46.18 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.48 | $61.58 $57.23 (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.46 | $92.36 $82.32 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.44 | $138.55 $118.47 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.43
Best per pill | $184.73 $153.61 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.95 | $57.23 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.85 | $85.84 $76.30 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.79 | $114.45 $94.37 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.73 | $171.68 $130.51 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.69 | $257.51 $185.73 (28%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.67
Best per pill | $343.35 $242.96 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Antabuse (disulfiram) is a prescription medication designed to support the treatment of chronic alcohol dependence by creating an aversive physical reaction to alcohol consumption. It functions as a deterrent therapy, reinforcing abstinence as part of a comprehensive management plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. By inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, it causes an accumulation of acetaldehyde upon alcohol intake, leading to highly unpleasant effects. This mechanism helps patients maintain commitment to sobriety, particularly during early recovery stages.
Features
- Active ingredient: Disulfiram 250mg or 500mg tablets
- Administration: Oral tablet, once daily
- Mechanism: Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation
- Onset of action: Effects begin within 1-2 hours of administration
- Duration: Can remain effective for up to 14 days after last dose
- Prescription status: Schedule IV controlled substance
- Manufacturing: Produced under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
Benefits
- Creates a powerful psychological deterrent against alcohol consumption
- Supports long-term abstinence when combined with behavioral therapy
- Provides a concrete pharmacological tool in comprehensive addiction treatment
- Helps break the cycle of alcohol dependence by introducing immediate negative reinforcement
- Allows patients to regain control over drinking behaviors
- Facilitates engagement in therapeutic programs by reducing relapse risk
Common use
Antabuse is primarily prescribed for the management of chronic alcohol dependence in patients who want to remain in a state of enforced sobriety. It is indicated for individuals who have undergone detoxification and are committed to maintaining abstinence as part of a comprehensive treatment program. The medication is typically used during the maintenance phase of alcohol dependence treatment, often following successful completion of initial withdrawal management. Healthcare providers prescribe Antabuse for patients who understand the consequences of alcohol consumption while medicated and who have demonstrated motivation for sustained recovery.
Dosage and direction
The initial recommended dosage is 500mg daily for 1-2 weeks, typically administered as a single morning dose. Maintenance dosage ranges from 125mg to 500mg daily based on individual tolerance and therapeutic response. The medication should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning when resolve is strongest. Tablets may be crushed and mixed with liquid if swallowing difficulties exist. Treatment should only be initiated after the patient has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 hours and preferably longer. A careful medical evaluation must precede prescription, and the first dose should be administered under medical supervision when possible.
Precautions
Patients must be thoroughly educated about the disulfiram-alcohol reaction and its potential severity. Complete abstinence from all alcohol-containing products is essential, including medications, foods, toiletries, and household products that might contain alcohol. Regular liver function monitoring is required due to potential hepatotoxicity. Patients should carry identification indicating they are taking disulfiram. Healthcare providers should assess cardiovascular status before initiation, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions. Psychiatric status should be monitored regularly as disulfiram may exacerbate certain mental health conditions.
Contraindications
Antabuse is contraindicated in patients with severe myocardial disease or coronary occlusion due to cardiovascular risks associated with the disulfiram-alcohol reaction. It should not be used in patients with psychosis or severe personality disorders. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to disulfiram or other thiuram derivatives. The medication is not recommended for patients without their full knowledge and consent or those who cannot comprehend the consequences of alcohol consumption while medicated. It is contraindicated in patients receiving alcohol-containing medications or parenteral corticosteroids.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, metallic or garlic-like aftertaste, and skin eruptions. Less frequently, patients may experience peripheral neuropathy, optic neuritis, or psychiatric symptoms including depression and psychosis. Hepatic effects range from transient enzyme elevations to rare cases of hepatitis and hepatic failure. The disulfiram-alcohol reaction produces flushing, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, copious vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, marked uneasiness, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. Severe reactions may include respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death.
Drug interaction
Antabuse interacts significantly with alcohol-containing medications including elixirs, tonics, and syrups. It potentiates the effects of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants, requiring frequent INR monitoring. Concurrent use with phenytoin may increase phenytoin levels and toxicity risk. It may enhance sedative effects of benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants. Metronidazole concurrent use should be avoided due to increased risk of psychotic reactions. Disulfiram may inhibit metabolism of certain tricyclic antidepressants and theophylline. Interaction with isoniazid may increase risk of neurological effects.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Patients should never double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining the aversive barrier against alcohol consumption. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider before resuming treatment, as the protective effect diminishes with missed doses, potentially creating a window of vulnerability to alcohol relapse.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, lethargy, and neurological symptoms including seizures. In severe cases, overdose may lead to hepatic necrosis, respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, and coma. Management involves immediate gastric lavage if ingestion was recent, supportive care, and symptomatic treatment. There is no specific antidote for disulfiram overdose. Hemodialysis may be considered in severe cases, though efficacy is limited due to high protein binding. Hospitalization and intensive supportive care are typically required for significant overdoses.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer tablets to other containers that might be mistaken for other medications. Discard any medication that has expired or shows signs of deterioration. Proper disposal should follow local regulations for pharmaceutical waste, preferably through medication take-back programs.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Antabuse is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Patients must receive comprehensive medical evaluation and counseling before initiation. The disulfiram-alcohol reaction can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Individual results may vary, and treatment should be tailored to specific patient needs and circumstances. Always follow the prescribing physician’s instructions and report any adverse effects immediately.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Antabuse, when combined with comprehensive addiction treatment, significantly improves abstinence rates compared to placebo. In a 12-month randomized controlled trial, 50% of patients maintained complete abstinence with disulfiram versus 23% in the control group. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate that 72% of compliant users found the medication helpful in maintaining sobriety during critical early recovery periods. However, effectiveness is highly dependent on patient motivation and adherence to the treatment protocol. Long-term follow-up studies show that successful outcomes correlate strongly with ongoing psychosocial support and regular medical supervision.