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What is the most important information I should know about disulfiram?

Do not drink alcohol while taking disulfiram. Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, thirst, chest pain, vertigo, and low blood pressure may occur when alcohol is ingested during disulfiram therapy.

Do not take disulfiram for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Reactions may occur from drinking alcohol for several weeks after you have stopped taking disulfiram.

Be aware of the alcohol content of other common products such as cough and cold medicines, mouth washes, tonics, sauces, vinegars, and other food products. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.

What is disulfiram?

Disulfiram interferes with the metabolism of alcohol resulting in unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed.

Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism.

Disulfiram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking disulfiram?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• liver disease,
• kidney disease;

• thyroid disease;

• diabetes;

• brain damage or mental disorders;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take disulfiram, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card that states you are taking disulfiram. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions about this.

Disulfiram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether disulfiram will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Disulfiram passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take disulfiram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take disulfiram?

Take disulfiram exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Store disulfiram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a disulfiram overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.