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Antabuse Side Effects

Generic name: disulfiram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 23, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about disulfiram. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Antabuse.

Applies to disulfiram: oral tablet.

Warning

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.

Serious side effects of Antabuse

Along with its needed effects, disulfiram (the active ingredient contained in Antabuse) 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

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

Rare

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

Other 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

  • Drowsiness

Less common or rare

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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to disulfiram: oral tablet.

Other

Frequency not reported: Fatigue[Ref]

Hepatic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Altered liver function tests

Frequency not reported: Hepatic cell damage, hepatitis (cholestatic and fulminant), hepatic failure resulting in transplant or death, jaundice, cirrhosis[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, peripheral neuritis, encephalopathy, polyneuritis, peripheral neuropathy, headache, seizures, lethargy[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Skin eruptions, acneiform eruptions, allergic dermatitis, maculopapular rash[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, halitosis, metallic or garlic-like aftertaste, stomach upset[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Optic neuritis, eye pain or tenderness, changes in vision[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Decreased libido[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Psychotic reactions, depression, paranoia, schizophrenia, mania, confusion, personality changes, disorientation, memory impairment[Ref]

References

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

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

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer