Disulfiram Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 17, 2021.

Consumer
Professional

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]