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Antabuse Side Effects

Generic name: disulfiram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 22, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Antabuse Side Effects associated with disulfiram. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Antabuse.

Applies to disulfiram: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Disulfiram should never be administered to a patient when he is in a state of alcohol intoxication, or without his full knowledge.

The physician should instruct relatives accordingly.

Precautions

Do not drink any alcohol, even small amounts, while you are taking this medicine and for 14 days after you stop taking it, because the alcohol may make you very sick. In addition to beverages, alcohol is found in many other products. Reading the list of ingredients on foods and other products before using them will help you to avoid alcohol. You can also avoid alcohol if you:

Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Some of the symptoms you may experience if you use any alcohol while taking this medicine are:

These symptoms will last as long as there is any alcohol left in your system, from 30 minutes to several hours. On rare occasions, if you have a severe reaction or have taken a large enough amount of alcohol, a heart attack, unconsciousness, convulsions (seizures), and death may occur.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card stating that you are using this medicine. This card should list the symptoms most likely to occur if alcohol is taken, and the doctor, clinic, or hospital to be contacted in case of an emergency. These cards may be available from the manufacturer. Ask your health care professional if you have any questions about this.

If you will be taking this medicine for a long period of time (for example, for several months at a time), your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Before buying or using any liquid prescription or nonprescription medicine, check with your pharmacist to see if it contains any alcohol.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. If this occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert .

Disulfiram will add to the effects of other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine .

Common side effects of Antabuse

Some side effects of disulfiram may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • drowsiness

Less common or rare side effects

  • decreased sexual ability in males
  • headache
  • metallic or garlic-like taste in mouth
  • skin rash
  • unusual tiredness

Serious side effects of Antabuse

Along with its needed effects, disulfiram may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking disulfiram:

Less common side effects

  • eye pain or tenderness or any change in vision
  • mood or mental changes
  • numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

Rare side effects

  • darkening of urine
  • light gray-colored stools
  • severe stomach pain
  • yellow eyes or skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to disulfiram: oral tablet.

Other adverse events

Hepatic

Nervous system

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Ocular

Genitourinary

Psychiatric

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Antabuse (disulfiram)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Antabuse side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.