Disulfiram - Oral

Disulfiram is used as an aid in the management of alcohol dependence.

This medicine may cause unpleasant physical reactions if taken with alcohol, this effect may help you stop from drinking alcohol further.

Take Disulfiram exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Disulfiram tablets may be crushed and mixed with foods or liquids.

Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol in the last 12 hours.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), blocked arteries in the heart
• high blood pressure
• history of stroke
• mental health conditions e.g. severe personality disorder, thoughts of self-harm

as Disulfiram may not be suitable for you.

This medicine should not be taken if you are intoxicated with alcohol or if you have taken or applied any alcohol-containing preparations (e.g. liquid medicines such as cough syrup, certain foods, tonics, toiletries, perfumes and aerosol sprays).

Do not take Disulfiram with metronidazole (certain antibiotic) and paraldehyde (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures]). Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• diabetes
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• brain damage
• thyroid problem
• history of skin rash caused by an allergic reaction

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver and heart function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in mental status may also be needed.

Disulfiram may cause drowsiness and tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may also cause unpleasant physical reactions, including headache, flushing of the face and neck, increased body temperature, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitation, chest pain, and confusion, which may persist for 30 minutes to several hours if taken with alcohol while on Disulfiram therapy.

Other side effects may include any of the following: bad breath, decreased sex drive, and rash.

If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, and swelling in the legs and ankles, stop taking Disulfiram and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of liver disease.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Disulfiram if you are taking any of these medicines:

• metronidazole (certain antibiotic)
• paraldehyde (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline
• medicines for mood disorder e.g. chlorpromazine
• medicines for anxiety e.g. chlordiazepoxide, diazepam
• other medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
• medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Disulfiram.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol during treatment and within 2 weeks of stopping Disulfiram.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.