What does it do?

Disulfiram is used to help you stop drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking disulfiram causes a very unpleasant and dangerous reaction. The reaction starts within about 10 minutes of drinking alcohol and may last several hours.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney problems, a mental health problem, or if you have ever had a seizure or a stroke.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You must not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours before starting, while taking, and for three weeks after stopping disulfiram.

How should you take it?

Take disulfiram regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can also dissolve the tablets in water or juice.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with disulfiram including:

• liquid medicines containing alcohol such as cough syrups

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking including vitamins, herbal products (some may contain alcohol) or recreational drugs (e.g. cocaine).

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Alcohol/disulfiram reaction – flushing, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Unusual behaviour or thinking, mood changes	Tell your doctor immediately
Changes in vision Numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes	Tell your doctor
Drowsiness, tiredness or weakness Bad breath, changes in taste, stomach upset Impotence, less interest in sex	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Some sauces, vinegars, perfumes, aftershaves, hand gels, sprays and even “non-alcoholic” drinks may contain enough alcohol to cause a reaction with disulfiram.