Antabuse - Disulfiram

What is it?

Composition

The main active ingredient of Antabuse is disulfiram. This substance blocks the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the breakdown of alcohol in the body. When a person drinks alcohol under the influence of disulfiram, acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood, causing a toxic reaction. In addition to the main ingredient, Antabuse tablets may also contain other excipients, such as:

• microcrystalline cellulose
• magnesium stearate
• povidone
• lactose monohydrate

These additional components are used to create a tablet form and do not have an active therapeutic effect, but can affect the absorption of the main substance.

How to use?

It is important to make sure that you have not consumed alcohol for at least 24 hours before starting to take the medicine. The medicine is taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor, the dosage may change depending on the stage of treatment. The application scheme usually looks like this:

1. Higher doses may be prescribed in the first days (up to several tablets per day).
2. Then the dose is usually reduced to 200-500 mg per day, which corresponds to one tablet per day
3. Tablets should be taken in the morning and washed down with a sufficient amount of water.
4. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is more than 12 hours, skip the next dose and do not double the dose.

It is very important to visit your doctor regularly to monitor your liver and general health. If you experience side effects or forget to take the medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

How does it work?

Antabuse works in the body by blocking the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol. Normally, this enzyme converts acetaldehyde, an intermediate product of alcohol metabolism, into less toxic substances. However, under the influence of disulfiram (the main component of Antabuse), this process stops and acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood.

Elevated levels of acetaldehyde cause serious unpleasant symptoms such as:

• headache,
• nausea and vomiting,
• flushing of the skin,
• tachycardia and chest pain,
• a feeling of weakness and anxiety.

These reactions begin 10-30 minutes after drinking alcohol and can last for several hours. For this reason, Antabuse effectively prevents the consumption of alcoholic beverages, because a person knows in advance that drinking alcohol will have extremely unpleasant consequences.

Indications

Antabuse is used to treat chronic alcoholism. The main indications for its use include:

• support for alcohol withdrawal in people who have undergone detoxification and are trying to lead a sober lifestyle;
• prevention of relapses of alcohol addiction, since drinking alcohol while taking Antabuse causes serious unpleasant symptoms;
• used as part of a comprehensive therapy that includes psychological support and counseling.

Antabuse is effective only for those who have completely given up alcohol and are ready for long-term treatment. The drug should be used under strict medical supervision, as regular monitoring of the patients condition and his progress in addiction treatment is required.

Contraindications

Contraindications for Antabuse include a number of medical conditions in which the use of the drug may be dangerous. Main contraindications:

• severe heart disease, such as coronary insufficiency or myocardial infarction in history;
• mental disorders, including psychosis and severe cognitive impairment;
• severe liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis;
• kidney disease that impairs their function;
• allergy to disulfiram or thiuram derivatives (contained in rubber products and pesticides);
• pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the safety of the drug during these periods has not been established;
• the need to take drugs that can interact with disulfiram, such as metronidazole, phenytoin and anticoagulants.

The drug is also contraindicated in individuals who have recently consumed alcohol or drugs containing alcohol, as this may cause serious side effects.

Side effects

Antabuse may cause various side effects, which may occur both at the beginning of treatment and with its long-term use. The main side effects include:

• skin reactions, such as rash or itching;
• metallic or garlic taste in the mouth;
• headache and fatigue;
• impotence or decreased libido;
• drowsiness and impaired concentration.

If you accidentally drink alcohol while taking Antabuse, more serious reactions may occur: severe nausea, vomiting, flushing of the face, chest pain, tachycardia and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may last for up to several hours. In rare cases, serious complications may develop, such as liver damage, allergic reactions or nervous system disorders.