Disulfiram Side Effects

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

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.

Common side effects of disulfiram

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 disulfiram

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

• 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]

Further information

Disulfiram 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.

Medical Disclaimer