Disulfiram I.P. – 250 mg Excipients - q.s.

Brand Name : Sulfam

Composition : Disulfiram I.P. – 250 mg Excipients - q.s.

Packing : (10x 10)

Description :  

Disulfiram tablets are used in the treatment of alcohol dependence or chronic alcoholism. It belongs to the class of medications called Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors. It helps to quit the habit of alcoholism in patients having a habit of drinking excessive alcohol (chronic alcoholism). The long-term usage of alcohol can lead to addiction and can severely damage your liver and cause liver cirrhosis or fatty liver syndrome. Disulfiram works by creating various sensations in the body such as flushing, burning sensation, throbbing headache, increased sweating, chest tightness, dizziness, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion that creates an aversion towards alcohol. 

Do not self-medicate the medicine, take it as per the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. It is recommended to swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. Some people may experience a few side effects such as drowsiness, tiredness, impotence, low sex drive, headache, sleepiness, and metallic taste. Inform your doctor if you have lung, liver, kidney, or heart problems, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, thyroid problems, brain damage, fits, or any mental disorders as a precaution. 

Medical Benefits of Disulfiram Tablets

Disulfiram helps in reducing alcohol dependence. It works by blocking the actions of certain enzymes (such as aldehyde dehydrogenase) within the body which helps in breaking down a substance called acetaldehyde. The excess accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body causes unpleasant physical reactions such as flushing, burning sensation, throbbing headache, increased sweating, chest tightness, dizziness, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion that can create aversion towards alcohol which will eventually help in quitting alcoholism. 

Direction for Use 

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of Disulfiram for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition. Take Disulfiram Tablets as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before taking the first dose of Disulfiram tablets.

Side Effects of Disulfiram Tablets

There are mild to moderate side effects of Disulfiram tablets that get resolved over time. The side effects may vary for all the users, as they depend on the physiological condition and response to the treatment. If your side effects last for a long time or get severe immediately consult your doctor. The range of side effects noticed on using Disulfiram tablets are given below:

• Drowsiness, tiredness
• Impotence, low sex drive
• Headache, sleepiness
• Acne, skin rash
• Metallic taste
• Depression, mania (abnormal excitement)
• Nerve pain, pain in hands and legs
• Nausea, vomiting

Drug Interaction 

• Medicines used to treat mental illness (such as pimozide and chlorpromazine)
• Medicines used to treat tuberculosis (Ex. isoniazid, rifampicin)
• Metronidazole (a medicine used to treat parasite infection)
• Amitriptyline (a medicine used to treat depression)
• Alcohol-containing medicines (such as cough syrups)
• Warfarin (a medicine used to reduce blood clotting)
• Medicines used to treat epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin and paraldehyde)
• Theophylline (a medicine used to treat asthma)
• Medicines used to reduce anxiety (such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam)
• Opioid analgesics (used for pain relief) such as pethidine and morphine
• Medicines used to stimulate the brain (such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine)

Precautions and Warnings

1. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may cause severe 'aldehyde reaction' causing life-threatening conditions.

2. Do not take Disulfiram tablets without a doctor’s consultation if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your newborn. 

3. Store the Disulfiram tablets in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. 

4. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired or discarded medicines.