Antabuse

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

brain damage

diabetes

heart disease

kidney disease

liver disease

psychotic disease

recently exposure to alcohol or any product that contains alcohol

seizures

taking metronidazole or paraldehyde

under-active thyroid

an unusual or allergic reaction to disulfiram, pesticides or rubber products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You must never take this medicine within 12 hours of taking any alcohol. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid before taking. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

alcohol or any product that contains alcohol

amprenavir

cocaine

lopinavir; ritonavir

metronidazole

oral solutions of ritonavir or sertraline

paclitaxel

paraldehyde

tranylcypromine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

soniazid

medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
Never take this medicine if you have been drinking alcohol. Make sure that family members or others in your household know about this medicine and what to do in an emergency. When this medicine is taken with even small amounts of alcohol, it will produce very unpleasant effects. You may get a throbbing headache, flushing, vomiting, weakness and chest pain. Breathing and heart problems, seizures and death can occur. This medicine can react with alcohol even 14 days after you take your last dose.
Never take products or use toiletries that contain alcohol. Always read labels carefully. Many cough syrups, liquid pain medications, tonics, mouthwashes, after shave lotions, colognes, liniments, vinegar's, and sauces contain alcohol.
Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you are taking this medicine. Carry an identification card with your name, name and dose of medicine being used, and name and phone number of your doctor and/or person to contact in an emergency.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

changes in vision

confusion, disorientation, irritability

dark urine

general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

loss of appetite, nausea

loss of contact with reality

numbness, pain or tingling

right upper belly pain

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

change in sex drive or performance

dizziness

drowsy, tired

headache

metallic or garlic taste

nausea, vomiting

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in a tight light resistant container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.