Disulfiram (Systemic)

Brand Names : Antabuse

Proper Use of This Medicine

Before you take the first dose of this medicine, make sure you have not taken any alcoholic beverage or alcohol-containing product or medicine (for example, tonics, elixirs, and cough syrups) during the past 12 hours . If you are not sure about the alcohol content of medicines you may have taken, check with your health care professional.

Take this medicine every day as directed by your doctor . The medicine is usually taken each morning. However, if it makes you drowsy, ask your doctor if you may take it at bedtime instead.

Dosing - The dose of disulfiram will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of disulfiram. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • To help overcome drinking problems:
    • Adults and teenagers - At first, the dose is 500 milligrams (mg) or less, once a day for one or two weeks. Then, your doctor may lower your dose to 125 to 500 mg (usually to 250 mg) once a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.