Antabuse and its Uses
Generic Antabuse produces a sensitivity to alcohol that results in a highly unpleasant reaction when the individual under treatment ingests alcohol.
Generic Antabuse is an enzyme inhibitor (aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor), which interferes with the metabolism of alcohol and leads to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood. The reaction occurs within ten minutes of ingesting alcohol and may last for several hours. The effects include violent flushing, breathlessness, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting.
Generic Antabuse is used as an adjunct in the treatment of alcohol dependence in carefully selected and cooperative patients.
|| Top || Working Mechanism of Antabuse
Generic Antabuse works by interfering with the way the body metabolizes alcohol. Alcohol is broken down in the body to a compound called acetaldehyde. This is then normally broken down further by an enzyme in the liver called aldehyde dehydrogenase. Generic Antabuse stops this enzyme from working. This means that when alcohol is consumed, the body cannot process it normally. Instead, acetaldehyde accumulates in the bloodstream.
High levels of acetaldehyde act directly on the heart and blood vessels, causing flushing, a racing heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure that causes dizziness. Other unpleasant b, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea and vomiting. This reaction to alcohol is often called the Antabuse reaction and is usually enough to deter people from having another drink.
The Antabuse-alcohol reaction occurs within ten minutes of ingesting alcohol and may last for several hours. It can be potentially dangerous. For some people, knowing that they cannot drink alcohol without having this reaction is what is needed to help them being tempted in a weak moment.
|| Top ||
Antabuse Dose
Missed Dose of Antabuse
Take the missed dose of Antabuse as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Excess Dose of Antabuse
Generic Antabuse in excess dose may show symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.
Conditions for Storage of Antabuse
Store Antabuse at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Antabuse
Antabuse Tablets : Antabuse 250 mg & Antabuse 500 mg
|| Top ||
Food and Drug interactions with Antabuse
- Certain liquid medicines, remedies, tonics, toiletries and aerosol sprays may contain sufficient alcohol to cause the Antabuse -alcohol reaction.
- Generic Antabuse increases the anti-blood-clotting effect of the anticoagulant warfarin. If Generic Antabuse is used in combination with warfarin, a smaller than normal dose of warfarin may be needed to avoid bleeding.
Generic Antabuse inhibits the metabolism of the following medicines and may therefore increase their blood levels and risk of side effects:
- chlordiazepoxide
- benzodiazepines such as diazepam and temazepam
- imipramine
- desipramine
- phenytoin
- theophylline
- If any of the following are taken with Antabuse there may be an increase in confusion and changes in mood:
- isoniazid
- metronidazole.
- Paraldehyde should be avoided in people taking Antabuse.
- Amitriptyline may increase the effect of Antabuse and people taking it may experience a more intense Antabuse -alcohol reaction if they drink alcohol.
|| Top ||
Contraindications with Antabuse
Generic Antabuse is contraindicated in the following:
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- History of stroke
- Severe personality disorders
- Psychotic illness
- People who are at risk of suicide
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Allergy to one or any of its ingredients
|| Top || Precautions with Antabuse
Generic Antabuse should be used with caution in:
- Diabetes
- Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
- Epilepsy
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
|| Top ||
Adverse effects with Antabuse
The adverse effects associated with Antabuse are:
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bad breath
- Decreased sex drive
- Mood changes, strange or abnormal thoughts or depression
- Allergic skin rash
- Liver problems
|| Top ||
|
