Disulfiram-Based Alcohol Deterrent Therapy
| Product dosage: 60mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.38 | $41.27 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.11 | $82.53 $66.43 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.02 | $123.80 $91.59 (26%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.98 | $165.07 $117.76 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.94 | $247.60 $169.10 (32%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.91 | $371.41 $244.58 (34%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.89
Best per pill | $495.21 $319.07 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Disulfiram-based therapy represents a clinically validated pharmacological approach to supporting alcohol abstinence. This medication is designed for individuals committed to sobriety, working by establishing a strong physiological deterrent to alcohol consumption. It is a cornerstone of comprehensive treatment plans, which should always include counseling and behavioral support. Use is strictly under medical supervision following a thorough patient evaluation.
Features
- Contains Disulfiram as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Available in standard 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablet formulations.
- Functions as an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor.
- Requires a prescription and is not available over-the-counter.
- Manufactured under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
Benefits
- Creates a powerful physical deterrent to alcohol consumption, reinforcing commitment to abstinence.
- Provides a structured pharmacological component to a multifaceted treatment plan.
- Can reduce the frequency of relapse episodes during recovery.
- Empowers patients by providing a tangible tool to manage cravings and avoid impulsive drinking.
- Supports long-term sobriety goals when combined with psychosocial interventions.
- Offers peace of mind by establishing clear physiological consequences for alcohol use.
Common use
Disulfiram is indicated as an aid in the management of selected chronic alcoholics who want to remain in a state of enforced sobriety. It is not a cure for alcoholism and is not recommended for patients without the motivation and cognitive awareness to understand the consequences of consuming alcohol while on the medication. It is most effective when the patient voluntarily agrees to therapy as part of a broader treatment program that includes psychological support, counseling, and participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. It is typically prescribed after a patient has achieved initial abstinence from alcohol.
Dosage and direction
Initial Dosage: The initial dosage is typically 500 mg daily for one to two weeks. Maintenance Dosage: The usual maintenance dose is 250 mg daily (range 125 mg to 500 mg). The dosage may be adjusted based on patient response and tolerability. Administration: The tablet should be taken orally once daily, preferably in the morning. It can be crushed and mixed with liquid if necessary. The last dose of alcohol must have been consumed at least 12 hours before initiating therapy. Duration: Treatment must be continuous for as long as the patient is seeking pharmacological support for abstinence. The duration of therapy is individualized and determined by the prescribing physician.
Precautions
- Patients must be fully informed of the Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction (DER) and must explicitly consent to therapy. They must understand that ingestion of even small amounts of alcohol (found in sauces, vinegars, mouthwashes, elixirs, and topical preparations) can trigger a reaction.
- Liver function tests (e.g., transaminases) must be performed prior to initiation of therapy and at 10- to 14-day intervals for the first two months, then periodically thereafter.
- Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, cerebral damage, chronic and acute nephritis, hepatic disease or impairment, and cardiovascular disease.
- Patients should carry a medical identification card stating they are on Disulfiram therapy.
- May cause drowsiness; patients should exercise caution when operating machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them.
Contraindications
- Severe myocardial disease or coronary occlusion.
- Psychosis.
- Hypersensitivity to Disulfiram or other thiuram derivatives used in pesticides and rubber vulcanization.
- Concurrent use of alcohol or alcohol-containing products.
- Concurrent use of metronidazole, paraldehyde, or any drug that can cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
- Pregnancy.
Possible side effect
The most significant side effect is the intentional or accidental Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction (DER), characterized by: flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, copious vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, hyperventilation, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, marked uneasiness, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. In severe cases, respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death can occur.
Other non-reaction related side effects may include:
- Drowsiness, fatigue, headache, metallic or garlic-like aftertaste.
- Acneiform eruptions, allergic dermatitis.
- Hepatitis (idiosyncratic and sometimes fatal) and hepatic necrosis.
- Peripheral neuropathy, polyneuritis.
- Optic neuritis.
Drug interaction
Disulfiram inhibits several hepatic enzyme systems, potentially increasing the activity and toxicity of concurrently administered drugs.
- Warfarin: Potentiates anticoagulant effect; prothrombin time should be monitored closely.
- Phenytoin: Increases phenytoin serum levels; risk of phenytoin toxicity.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide): Metabolism may be inhibited, increasing sedative effects.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Metabolism may be inhibited.
- Theophylline: Metabolism inhibited; may lead to theophylline toxicity.
- Isoniazid: Increased risk of unsteady gait or marked changes in behavior.
- Metronidazole: Concomitant use can cause confusion and psychotic reactions.
- CNS Depressants: Additive effects with alcohol, barbiturates, and other sedatives.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is not remembered until the next day, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume the normal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, GI upset, neurological disturbances including seizures, and signs of the Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction if alcohol is present. In cases of massive overdose, shock, respiratory depression, and death may occur. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered. Management should include support of respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F) in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medication down the toilet or pour it into a drain. Dispose of unused medication through a medicine take-back program.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided has been compiled from various medical sources but may not be comprehensive or reflect the most recent medical data.
Reviews
- “As a prescribing addiction specialist for over 15 years, I have found Disulfiram to be an invaluable tool for a specific subset of motivated patients. It is not a magic bullet, but for those who understand and respect its mechanism, it provides a powerful ‘circuit breaker’ against impulsive drinking. Its efficacy is entirely dependent on patient commitment and integrated psychosocial support.” – Dr. E. Vance, MD, Addiction Medicine.
- “This medication gave me the physical barrier I needed during the first critical year of my recovery. Knowing the severe consequences of drinking kept me accountable during moments of intense craving. It was a key part of my toolkit, alongside my therapy sessions.” – Patient, 4 years sober.
- “The hepatotoxicity risk, while rare, is serious and necessitates rigorous monitoring. It limits its use in patients with any pre-existing liver conditions. It is a drug that demands a high level of clinical vigilance and a strong, informed patient-provider relationship.” – Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital Inpatient Unit.
- “It worked as described, but the side effects of drowsiness and the constant metallic taste were challenging. I ultimately switched to a different medication support option after 6 months, but it served its purpose during a fragile time.” – Patient.