Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism. It causes unpleasant effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. These effects include flushing of the face, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. These effects begin about 10 minutes after alcohol enters the body and last for 1 hour or more. Disulfiram is not a cure for alcoholism, but discourages drinking.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How It Works

Disulfiram comes in tablets to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take disulfiram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
 

Antabuse is the brand name given for the drug disulfiram. Antabuse was the first medicine to be used for treating alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse by the U.S food and drug administration. Antabuse causes negative reactions in individuals who drink alcohol and thus help the individual to quit intake of alcohol. Antabuse is given to individuals who are completely aware of the consequences of alcohol intake when they are under Antabuse treatment. Antabuse should not be given to individuals without their knowledge or to an intoxicated victims.