TabletsClinical Overview
Disulfiram is an alcohol-deterrent agent that acts by irreversibly inhibiting the hepatic enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Ingestion of alcohol during therapy causes a 5- to 10-fold accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde in the blood, precipitating an immediate, intensely unpleasant disulfiram-alcohol reaction (flushing, throbbing headache, palpitations, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, hypotension). Indicated as an adjunct in the comprehensive management of chronic alcoholism to support enforced abstinence.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily in the morning with water, with or without food. Never take disulfiram until the patient has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 hours. The deterrent effect persists for up to 14 days after the last dose due to slow enzyme regeneration.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Drowsiness, fatigue, metallic or garlic-like taste in mouth, headache, acneiform eruptions. Rare/Severe: Severe, fatal disulfiram-alcohol reaction (arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, myocardial infarction), severe idiosyncratic hepatitis/acute liver failure, optic neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Never administer to an intoxicated patient or without the patient's full knowledge and consent. Warn patients about hidden alcohol sources (cough syrups, vinegars, sauces, aftershaves, hand sanitizers). Baseline and periodic liver function tests are mandatory. Contraindicated in severe myocardial disease and psychosis.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or substituting any medication regimen.