DryOutNow.com is a leading online provider of free medical information about alcoholism and drinking. This includes free medical information, research articles and news on alcohol and drinking related addictions to help inform professionals. The glossary style articles are one of a selection of news articles, academic research papers and information articles relating to addictive behaviour, and in particular to alcohol and drinking.

What is Disulfiram?

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a medicine which prevents relapse to alcohol. Disulfiram can only be used in people who have already stopped drinking. The effectiveness of disulfiram is based on its property of making the user feel violently ill if they drink whilst taking it. This is in contrast to other alcohol treatment medicines such as Campral which reduce the discomfort in stopping drinking.

How does Disulfiram work?

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

When can Disulfiram be prescribed?

Disulfiram 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. Disulfiram is usually prescribed for the first 6 months to 1 year of abstinence. Disulfiram cannot be prescribed for individuals with severe liver damage, high blood pressure, any history of heart problem or stroke. Additionally, disulfiram must not be prescribed for people with severe psychiatric illness or for people who are suicidal.

What side effects does Disulfiram have?

Disulfiram can produce a number of side-effects, probably the most serious of which is a drug-induced hepatitis. This disulfiram 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 disulfiram occurring, especially during the first three months of treatment.

Who can prescribe Disulfiram?

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

Our professional advisors are available to you 12 hours daily, 7 days a week, to help you with expert, completely practical advice about drug addiction and alcoholism, free-of-charge. All appropriate forms of treatment can be arranged wherever you live. Telephone 0845 370 0203 now for advice in confidence.