What is Antabuse?

Antabuse (disulfiram) is a medicine which prevents relapse to alcohol. Antabuse can only be used in people who have already stopped drinking. The effectiveness of Antabuse is based on its property of making the user feel violently ill if they drink whilst taking it.

How does Antabuse work?

Antabuse prevents the complete breakdown of alcohol in the liver, resulting in a build up of toxic chemicals which lead to an Antabuse reaction. The Antabuse reaction can include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, red flushing, and palpitations. In theory, the Antabuse reaction can be fatal.

When can Antabuse be prescribed?

Antabuse can be prescribed for people who have ceased alcohol use (usually with an alcohol detoxification) and who wish to maintain abstinence in the long term. Antabuse is usually prescribed for the first 6 months to 1 year of abstinence. Antabuse cannot be prescribed for individuals with severe liver damage, high blood pressure, any history of heart problem or stroke. Additionally, Antabuse must not be prescribed for people with severe psychiatric illness or for people who are suicidal.

What side effects does Antabuse have?

Antabuse can produce a number of side-effects, probably the most serious of which is a drug-induced hepatitis. This Antabuse induced hepatitis can be fatal in some circumstances although the chances of it occurring are only in the region of 1:25000 cases. It is vital that your specialist doctor observes for signs of this reaction to Antabuse occurring, especially during the first three months of treatment.

Who can prescribe Antabuse?

Prescription of Antabuse is usually restricted to specialist doctors working in the field of drug and alcohol misuse.

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