Antabuse 250 mg 500 mg

What is Antabuse?

Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram, a prescription medicine used to help people with alcohol dependence maintain abstinence. It works by causing a very unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, which can include flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid heartbeat. This deterrent effect supports the decision to avoid alcohol while engaging in counseling and recovery programs.

Antabuse comes in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets. The starting dose is often higher for a short period before switching to a lower maintenance dose. Because the reaction can occur with even small amounts of alcohol, people taking Antabuse must avoid not only drinks but also foods, sauces, medicines, and products like mouthwash or aftershave that contain alcohol.

Generic disulfiram is available and can be less expensive. Some people buy refills online from licensed U.S. pharmacies to reduce costs. Cheap pricing is fine when labeling is clear, the strength matches the prescription, and a pharmacist is available for questions.

How It Works

Disulfiram blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is needed to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde builds up quickly, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. These effects begin within minutes of drinking and can last several hours, reinforcing the choice to avoid alcohol entirely.

The deterrent effect continues for up to 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose, so planning ahead is important before stopping. Because the reaction can be dangerous in people with certain health problems, starting Antabuse requires a thorough medical review and informed consent.

What you may notice

When alcohol is avoided, Antabuse has no significant day-to-day effects other than supporting commitment to sobriety. If alcohol is consumed, the rapid onset of symptoms is usually enough to stop drinking immediately and reinforces abstinence goals.

Dosage Information

Dosing is individualized. Follow your clinician’s instructions exactly. The medicine is usually taken once daily in the morning, but bedtime dosing can be used if it causes drowsiness.

• Starting dose: 500 mg once daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Maintenance dose: 250 mg once daily. Some people take between 125 mg and 500 mg daily depending on tolerability and response.

How to take it

Swallow tablets whole with water. Take consistently at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double up. Continue taking Antabuse even on days when you feel confident in avoiding alcohol—stopping suddenly can increase the risk of relapse.

Alcohol avoidance plan

Check labels on all foods, sauces, cough syrups, tonics, and personal care products. Even small amounts of alcohol can trigger a reaction. If you are unsure about a product, ask your pharmacist or clinician.

Cost and access tips

Generic disulfiram is widely available. Buying from licensed pharmacies online can save money. Cheap pricing is fine when the labeling is clear, the expiration date is valid, and a pharmacist is available to answer questions.

Side Effects

When alcohol is avoided, common side effects may include drowsiness, metallic or garlic-like taste, headache, and mild skin rash. These often improve over time. If alcohol is consumed, a severe reaction can occur that may include flushing, throbbing headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, or chest pain. In rare cases, collapse, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, or death can occur.

Other potential effects

• Liver toxicity: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, or severe fatigue require immediate medical attention.
• Nerve problems: Rarely, numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
• Psychiatric effects: Changes in mood, confusion, or memory problems in some users.

Report any troubling symptoms to your clinician promptly.

Warnings & Interactions

Antabuse is not suitable for everyone. Do not use if you have severe heart disease, psychosis, severe liver disease, recent alcohol use within the last 12 hours, or a history of severe reaction to disulfiram. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.

Drug interactions

• Metronidazole, tinidazole: Can cause severe reactions when combined with disulfiram.
• Warfarin: May increase bleeding risk; INR monitoring may be required.
• Phenytoin: Disulfiram can increase levels and toxicity risk.
• Other medicines with alcohol: Many cough syrups, elixirs, and tonics contain alcohol and should be avoided.

Practical safety tips

Carry a medical alert card or bracelet stating you take disulfiram. Inform all healthcare providers before starting new medicines. If buying online, choose licensed U.S. pharmacies, verify the strength and expiration date, and ensure labeling is clear. Cheap pricing is acceptable when those checks are met.