Disulfiram 500 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Disulfiram Summary

Disulfiram belongs to the drug class of carbamate derivatives and is primarily used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. It works by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, thereby discouraging further drinking. Its common side effects include skin rash, acne, headache, tiredness, loss of interest in sex, and a metallic or garlic taste. It should not be given to patients having liver and kidney problems and patients. If you’re taking disulfiram, stay away from vanilla extract and vinegar as they may have tiny amounts of alcohol that can make you feel sick with nausea, flushing, fast heartbeat, and stomach upset. Even small amounts of alcohol found in foods or desserts can cause problems. 

Disulfiram Uses

Disulfiram 500 mg is an oral medication classified within the carbamate group of compounds and primarily prescribed for the treatment of alcohol dependence. 

Disulfiram side effects

More Common

1. Skin rash, acne
2. Mild headache, tired feeling 
3. Impotence, loss of interest in sex 
4. Metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth

Less Common

1. Eye pain or sudden vision loss 
2. Confusion, unusual thoughts, or behavior 
3. Liver problems, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

How Disulfiram works

When someone consumes alcohol, the body normally breaks it down in two steps: first into a substance called acetaldehyde and then into harmless acetic acid. Disulfiram blocks the second step, causing accumulation of acetaldehyde. The buildup triggers rapid and unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and fast heartbeats. These effects start within 10 to 30 minutes of drinking and can last for hours, making the person feel very uncomfortable. 

Safety Measures and Warning

Medical Supervision

Disulfiram can interact with many products like mouthwashes, cough syrups, and cooking products, leading to more side effects. It should be strictly used under supervision. Seek medical attention in case of any sudden side effects. 

Kidney and Liver Problem

Patients suffering from kidney and liver problems are more prone to kidney and liver damage as disulfiram is converted into a less toxic form in the liver; at that time, it stays in the liver, leading to toxicity, so consult a doctor before using them. 

Past Mental Health Issues

Disulfiram directly acts on the brain and causes side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and suicidal thoughts. Inform the doctor about your past mental health issues before taking the medication. 

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Woman

Disulfiram shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy because it might hinder the fetus’s brain and bone development. Animal studies showed these risks, and since there’s no clear proof of its safety in humans, doctors avoid using it.

Disulfiram Interaction with Food Product

Avoid taking vinegar and vanilla during the treatment, as vanilla and vinegar have characteristics like alcohol and can interact with disulfiram. It is not recommended to consume alcohol before and after 12 hours of taking. 

Disulfiram Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking disulfiram 500 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Disulfiram Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

1,1′,1″,1‴-[disulfanediylbis(carbonothioylnitrilo)]tetraethane 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily Dose

Take disulfiram exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 500 mg of disulfiram per day. If allergy or jaundice-like symptoms appear, like yellow eyes and skin, consult the doctor immediately. Strictly do not take any alcoholic beverages before and after 12 hours of disulfiram, as it may cause severe nerve and liver damage.

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature in a well-ventilated area below 30⁰ c 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Directions for use

1. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.  
2. Disulfiram should be taken after meals or as advised by your doctor.  
3. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.  
4. Swallow disulfiram with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. 

FAQ’s

What are the side effects of disulfiram 500 mg tablet use?

Disulfiram 500mg side effects include confusion, liver problems, vomiting, clay-colored stools, and skin allergies.

What is the price of a disulfiram 500 mg tablet in India?

At Saya Care, 500 mg of disulfiram costs 24 rupees a strip, which is 80% less than the market price. 

What is a disulfiram alcohol reaction?

When disulfiram is taken it interacts with alcohol in the body, causing severe irritation and uneasiness known as a disulfiram reaction.

What are the brand names of disulfiram? 

Disulfiram has different brand names like Antabuse, Dulopam,Tyfusin and Deadict that are endorsed by marketing companies, but the salt name remains the same. But even big brands fails to pass the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) standard quality test, and this is where Saya Care steps in, we provide medicines with a quality test report at an affordable price, which is 80 percent less than the market price. 

Reference

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Disulfiram. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012– [updated 2017 Jan 5; cited 2025 Jun 25]. Available from. 
2. Drugs.com. Disulfiram Interactions. Internet. Drugs.com; [cited 2025 Jun 25]. Available from.  
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3117, Disulfiram. Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Jun 25]. Available from.  
4. DrugBank Online. Disulfiram. Internet. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Institutes of Health Research; [cited 2025 Jun 25]. Available from. 

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.