Generic name: disulfiram (dye SUL fi ram)
All FDA warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please consult them before taking this medication.
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. A combination of medication and behavioral therapies is effective in the treatment of substance use disorders and can help some people to sustain recovery.
Disulfiram is a medication that is used to treat alcohol use disorder. Disulfiram works by blocking the breakdown of alcohol in the body. This leads to buildup of a toxic alcohol-related compound that can cause people who drink alcohol while taking this medication to become very sick. This reaction helps encourage people to avoid alcohol while taking the medication.
Symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
People starting disulfiram should not take their first dose of the medication until at least 12 hours after their last drink of alcohol. A reaction to alcohol may occur for up to 2 weeks after disulfiram has been stopped. Taking disulfiram too soon after drinking causes a reaction that can lead to severe illness. Symptoms of this reaction include copious nausea and vomiting, severe headaches, flushing, dizziness, sweating, and chest pain. In some cases, people have experienced trouble breathing, blurry vision, fainting, confusion, and irregular heart rhythms when taking disulfiram with alcohol or alcohol-containing products. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn about possible medications or foods that may contain alcohol and should be avoided while taking disulfiram.
Do not stop taking disulfiram, even when you feel better. Only your health care provider can determine the length of treatment that is right for you. Missing doses of disulfiram may increase your risk for relapse.
Patients with substance use disorders are at high risk for depression and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any increased thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.
Alert all of your physicians and pharmacists that you are taking disulfiram. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting other medications, particularly over the counter medications for cough and cold symptoms. These medications may contain small amounts of alcohol that can interact with disulfiram.
Consider carrying an identification card that states you are taking disulfiram and lists the symptoms of a disulfiram- alcohol reaction. This card should also include the name of your doctor who may be contacted in an emergency.
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with substance use disorders that wish to become pregnant face important decisions and challenges. Actively using substances during pregnancy puts the fetus at great risk. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of continued treatment with your doctor and caregivers.
The effects of disulfiram on the fetus when used in pregnant women are unknown. It is likely that disulfiram crosses the placenta and can be transferred to the fetus. Reports of use of disulfiram in pregnancy have reported some congenital defects and malformations, several of which are more commonly associated with alcohol exposure in pregnancy. These effects may have been due to alcohol exposure and not disulfiram use, but the risk of the medication cannot be ruled out. Disulfiram should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding while taking disulfiram is not recommended, as it is unknown whether disulfiram crosses into the breast milk. The effects of disulfiram on the baby are unknown.
Disulfiram oral tablets are usually taken once daily in the morning. If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush and mix them with water or juice. If the medication makes you feel sleepy, it may be taken in the evening instead. Taking disulfiram tablets with food may decrease stomach upset. People may be given a test dose of 250 mg daily to ensure they can tolerate the medication. If the low dose is tolerated, the dose can be increased to 500 mg daily.
Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
If you miss a dose of disulfiram, take it as soon as you remember unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
Avoid consuming alcohol while you are taking disulfiram. You should also avoid exposure to alcohol-containing products, such as rubbing alcohol, aftershave, certain mouthwashes, perfumes, hand sanitizers, and some hair sprays. These products may contain a type of alcohol that can increase the effects of disulfiram and make you feel sick. Be aware that certain food products, such as vinegars, kombucha, sauces, and some flavorings, may also contain alcohol and should be avoided.
Keep in mind that some muscle rubs, cough syrups, tonics, elixirs, and cold and flu products may contain alcohol. Discuss all medications with your doctor and pharmacist prior to taking disulfiram and before starting new medications.
Disulfiram overdose may be associated with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, unusual muscle movements, decreased appetite, excitement, inability to speak normally, seizure, and coma. If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Common side effects
Rare/serious side effects
Disulfiram should not be used in people with certain heart conditions or severe heart disease. Talk to your doctor before taking disulfiram if you have heart conditions or have been diagnosed with heart disease.
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of disulfiram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
When taking disulfiram it is very important to avoid alcohol-containing products, such as cough and cold syrups, elixirs, tonics and certain muscle rubs. When taken with disulfiram, these products can cause severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, and headaches and in rare cases may lead to trouble breathing and irregular heart rhythms. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication (over the counter or prescription) while taking disulfiram.
When taken together with a cannabinoid drug called dronabinol (Syndros®), disulfiram can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Therefore, disulfiram should not be taken within 14 days of this medication.
Disulfiram may increase the blood concentration of phenytoin, a medication used for seizures.
Some antibiotics or medications for HIV, such as metronidazole, ritonavir, or lopinavir, may increase the adverse effects of disulfiram if taken together with the medication.
Taking disulfiram with the antibiotic isoniazid may cause one to be unsteady on their feet. Be careful standing or walking if taking this combination of medications.
Disulfiram may increase the effects of blood thinners, causing blood clots to form more slowly than normal. Be sure to follow up with your doctor to see if a lower dose of blood thinner is needed while taking disulfiram.
Disulfiram will begin working shortly after taking one dose and will continue to work for 1-2 weeks after the last dose of medication.
The FDA has issued a boxed warning for the use of disulfiram as noted below.
Disulfiram should never be administered to a patient when he is in a state of alcohol intoxication, or without his full knowledge. The physician should instruct relatives accordingly.
Last Reviewed: September 2024
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This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.
©2024 American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP). AAPP makes this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.
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