Disulfiram Side Effects
For the Consumer
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.
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
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
- 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
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
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, Philadelphia, PA.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
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.
More about disulfiram
- During Pregnancy
- Dosage Information
- Drug Images
- Drug Interactions
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- 112 Reviews
- Drug class: drugs used in alcohol dependence
Consumer resources
Other brands: Antabuse