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:

• 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:

• 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]

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.

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