Disulfiram Side Effects
For the Consumer
Applies to disulfiram: oral tablet
In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by disulfiram. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.
Severity: Moderate
If any of the following side effects occur while taking disulfiram, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:
Less common:- Eye pain or tenderness or any change in vision
- mood or mental changes
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
- Darkening of urine
- light gray-colored stools
- severe stomach pain
- yellow eyes or skin
Minor Side Effects
Some of the side effects that can occur with disulfiram may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:
More common:- Drowsiness
- 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. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. "Product Information. Antabuse (disulfiram)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Not all side effects for disulfiram may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.
More about disulfiram
Consumer resources
- Other brands: Antabuse
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
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