Disulfiram

1 medicine

Disulfiram treats alcohol use disorder by causing a severe reaction, flushing, nausea, low blood pressure, if you drink any alcohol, so all alcohol, including hidden sources like mouthwash and sauces, must be avoided throughout treatment.

Antabuse

Disulfiram

250/500mg

Antabuse is a addiction smoking medication containing Disulfiram, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $0.62 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) blocks an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase, so alcohol cannot be fully broken down. Any alcohol you drink builds up a toxic by-product that causes a severe reaction.
  • It is taken once daily, usually as a single tablet, as part of a supervised program that also includes counseling.
  • Even a small amount of alcohol, including hidden sources such as mouthwash, cough syrup, cooking wine, sauces, and some aftershaves or perfumes near the mouth, can trigger flushing, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
  • Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe vomiting, difficulty breathing, or fainting after any alcohol exposure.

What disulfiram treats

Disulfiram treats alcohol use disorder in people who have chosen to stop drinking and want an added deterrent to relapse. It does not reduce cravings or treat alcohol withdrawal; it works only by making drinking unpleasant, and is most effective alongside counseling or a structured recovery program.

How disulfiram works

Alcohol is normally broken down in two steps: first to acetaldehyde, then to a harmless substance. Disulfiram blocks the second step by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde then builds up in the blood after any alcohol intake, causing the flushing, nausea, palpitations, and low blood pressure that discourage drinking.

Before you take it

  • Do not start disulfiram until at least 12 hours after your last drink, and do not take it if you have severe heart disease, psychosis, or have had a severe alcohol reaction before.
  • Tell your prescriber about liver disease, epilepsy, kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or diabetes.
  • Check labels on cough syrups, mouthwash, tonics, and sauces for alcohol content, and avoid alcohol-based perfumes or aftershaves near your mouth and nose.
  • Some antibiotics (such as metronidazole) and blood thinners can interact with disulfiram.

Side effects

Common effects, mostly in the first weeks, include drowsiness, headache, a metallic taste, and mild skin rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or fainting after alcohol exposure.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue, which can signal liver injury.
  • Severe skin blistering or peeling.
  • Confusion, seizures, or unusual mood changes.

Safety essentials

  • The alcohol reaction can be severe and, rarely, life-threatening; it can happen for one to two weeks after your last dose because disulfiram's effect on the enzyme is long-lasting, not just on days you take a tablet.
  • Wear or carry identification stating you take disulfiram, so emergency responders know alcohol is the likely cause if you become unwell.
  • Disulfiram can cause liver damage; your prescriber checks liver function before you start and periodically during treatment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.