ANTABUSE

DRUG TITLE

Antabuse (Disulfiram)

THE USE OF THE MEDICINE

This medication is used to treat alcoholism. The drug is not a cure for alcoholism and must be used in combination with supportive therapy and counseling. This drug should never be used without the knowledge of man.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Take it orally, usually one or two tablets a day as directed by the physician. The tablets may be crushed or mixed with liquid if there are problems with swallowing. Do not take this medicine for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol. In taking this medication, it is essential that you avoid alcohol in all forms including beer, wine, aftershave lotions, mouthwash, colognes, liquid medications. Read labels carefully, including OTC products, and ask your pharmacist about the alcohol content, if you are not sure.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Antabuse creates sensitivity to alcohol, which leads to a very unpleasant reaction when the patient uses the treatment of even small amounts of alcohol. Antabuse blocks the oxidation of alcohol to acetaldehyde stage. During alcohol metabolism after ingestion Antabuse, the concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood may be 5 to 10 times higher than in the metabolism of the same amount of alcohol without the drug. Accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood creates a complex of unpleasant symptoms called Antabuse-alcohol reaction. This reaction, which is proportional to the reception Antabuse and alcohol, will persist as long as alcohol is metabolized. Antabuse does not have effect on the rate of removal of alcohol from the body.

MISSED DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Keep taking the drug with the same intervals, as your doctor prescribed.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature of 15 ° to 30 ° C in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light.