Description

🩺 What It’s For (“Uses”)

• Treatment of alcohol dependence or chronic alcoholism: Works as an aversive agent by blocking the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. This causes buildup of acetaldehyde after drinking, leading to unpleasant effects (flushing, nausea, headache) to deter alcohol use (1mg, Apollo Pharmacy).
• Supports recovery programs: Typically prescribed alongside counseling, therapy, or support groups (Zeelab Pharmacy).

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⚙️ How It Works

• Disulfiram irreversibly inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme that metabolizes acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct of alcohol). Elevated acetaldehyde causes adverse reactions upon alcohol intake, reinforcing abstinence (Apollo Pharmacy, 1mg).

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💊 Dosage & Administration

• Typically: 500 mg once daily or as directed by a physician (1mg).
• Take with or without food, preferably at a fixed time daily .
• Missed dose: Take when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose—avoid doubling up (1mg).
• Complete the full course under medical supervision; abrupt discontinuation may risk relapse (1mg, Farmako).

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⚠️ Warnings & Contraindications

• Alcohol strict avoidance: No alcohol for at least 12 hours before starting and up to 14 days after stopping treatment (Apollo Pharmacy).
• Avoid alcohol in all forms, including in foods, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, perfumes (Apollo Pharmacy).
• Use caution with liver or kidney impairment—dose adjustments or monitoring may be needed (Apollo Pharmacy).
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor—potential fetal harm and passage in breast milk (1mg, Apollo Pharmacy, PlatinumRx).
• Not addictive, but should be prescribed and monitored by experienced clinicians or in a hospital/clinic (1mg).

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🔴 Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness
• Headache
• Acne, flushing (warmth, redness, tingling)
• Sweating, increased thirst, swelling/rapid weight gain
• Nausea, vomiting, metallic or garlic-like taste in mouth (Apollo Pharmacy).

Note: These often happen as the body adjusts and may lessen over time (PlatinumRx).

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🚨 Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Help)

• Liver problems: dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, stomach/abdominal pain (Zeelab Pharmacy).
• Neurologic symptoms: numbness, tingling, mental confusion (PlatinumRx).
• Cardiovascular effects: rapid heartbeats, palpitations, fainting, blurred vision (Apollo Pharmacy).
• Severe vomiting or dehydration (Apollo Pharmacy).
• Allergic reactions: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (Zeelab Pharmacy).

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✅ Precautions & Lifestyle Tips

• Regular monitoring: Liver function tests, kidney function, blood counts.
• Avoid driving or heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you (1mg).
• Disclose all medications to your doctor—especially those like SSRIs, anticoagulants, or drugs that affect liver or CNS (Zeelab Pharmacy).
• Massage caution: Check labels of all personal care products for hidden alcohol content to avoid accidental reactions.

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📝 Quick Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Active Ingredient	Disulfiram 500 mg
Primary Use	Alcohol dependence support
Mechanism	Inhibits acetaldehyde metabolism → unpleasant reaction to alcohol
Common Side Effects	Drowsiness, headache, flushing, metallic taste
Serious Risks	Liver damage, cardiac, neuro, allergic effects
Contraindications	Active drinking, severe liver/kidney disease, pregnancy without caution
Monitoring	Regular blood/liver tests, symptom tracking, avoid alcohol in all forms