In this article, we decided to tell you about what a medicine like Disulfiram is. Instructions for use, reviews and indications of this tool will also be described below. In addition, you will find out what the cost of the mentioned medication is, in what form it is produced, what is included in its composition, etc.
Form, packaging and composition
The medicine "Disulfiram", the instructions for use of which is enclosed in a box of cardboard, goes on sale in the form of an oil solution and tablets for implantation and oral administration.
The first form is available in 20 ml bottles, and the second and third in glass jars of 10 and 20 pieces, respectively.
The active substance of this medication is disulfiram. In addition to it, the drug also contains additional components (depending on the form of release): sodium chloride, mannitol, sodium starch stearate, PEG-6000, MCC, calcium diphosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, stearic acid and polyoxy 40.
Pharmacological properties
What is the medication we are considering? What do the medical reviews say about him? "Disulfiram" has a pronounced anti-alcohol effect.
When taking this drug, its significant effect on the metabolism of ethanol is noted. As a result, safe metabolites are formed that increase the concentration of such a toxic substance as acetaldehyde. It is he who determines the effectiveness of the drug.
With the intravenous administration of the medication, as well as with its oral administration, patients almost immediately begin to feel hot flashes, acute dyspepsia, tachycardia, severe asthenia and even threatening hypotension. In addition, acetaldehyde intoxication promotes an aversion to alcohol and eliminates the patient's cravings for alcoholic beverages.
Pharmacokinetic indicators
What kinetic parameters does the drug in question have? What do reviews say about its absorption? "Disulfiram" is quite quickly and almost completely absorbed from the intestines.
When using it, a high metabolism of the active component is noted, during which several metabolites are formed. The excretion of this drug is carried out through the lungs and kidneys.
Indications for use
The medicine "Disulfiram", the price of which is indicated below, is prescribed for:
- treatment of chronic alcoholism;
- relapse prevention in the treatment of chronic alcoholism.
Taking this medication as you wish is undesirable. It should be prescribed only by a doctor.
Contraindications
The drug "Disulfiram" intravenously and orally is not recommended for use in the following diseases:
- neuropsychiatric diseases;
- epilepsy;
- diabetes mellitus.
Also, this medication is not prescribed during pregnancy, sensitivity to the active component and additional components, breastfeeding.
It should be noted that with extreme caution this drug is recommended for patients with impaired liver, respiratory system and kidneys.
The drug "Disulfiram": instructions for use
The use of any form of the drug in question is permissible only as directed by the doctor. The doctor must conduct a full examination of the patient, and then choose for him an individual treatment regimen and dosage.
According to the attached instructions, the average daily dose of this medication for oral administration is about 125-500 mg.
As for the injection, as well as the implantation of the drug, these procedures should be carried out only by an experienced specialist. In this case, the recommended dosage of the drug depends on the characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the existing disease.
Side effects
Can the drug in question cause side effects? What do the reviews say about this? "Disulfiram" quite rarely causes dangerous side reactions. When it is ingested, some deviations in the digestive tract are possible, as well as the presence of a metallic taste and the development of hepatitis.
In addition, disturbances in the functions of the nervous system can occur. Such undesirable conditions include polyneuritis of the lower extremities, mental disorders, memory loss, disorientation and headache.
Also, the development of various allergic reactions that were triggered by the influence of alcohol (for example, collapse, angina attacks, heart rhythm disturbances, cerebral edema, and myocardial infarction) should not be ruled out.
Overdose Signs
The drug “Disulfiram” at high doses can cause effects such as collapse, coma and dangerous neurological reactions.
To eliminate these signs, symptomatic therapy should be carried out in a hospital, which must necessarily include detoxification measures.
Drug Antidotes
Experts have proved that the complete neutralization of the drug in question is impossible.
If it is necessary to remove "Disulfiram" from the human body (for example, in case of a severe reaction to a newly taken dose of alcohol), certain procedures are performed.
As an antidote to this medicine, ascorbic acid is used. It is administered intravenously. This element does not allow alcohol to be converted to acetaldehyde, which, in fact, causes unpleasant sensations.
Ephedrine and H1 blockers may also be used.
Drug interaction
Is it acceptable to use the medication we are considering with other drugs? What do drug reviews say about drug interactions? "Disulfiram" in combination with anticoagulants enhances their effect, and also increases the risk of bleeding.
Simultaneous administration of the drug with drugs that are metabolized in the liver can significantly worsen the course of this process.
The combination of MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and phenothiazine derivatives with Disulfiram can contribute to the occurrence of complex adverse reactions.
The combination of this drug with Buspirone causes the development of mania. A medicine such as Amitriptyline quite often enhances the effect of Disulfiram and also increases its toxic effect on the nervous system.
The medication in question is able to increase the concentration of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam in the blood, reducing the intensity of toxic reactions and causing dizziness.
With the combination of Disulfiram and Isoniazid, depression and dizziness can develop, with Metronidazole - confusion and acute psychoses, with Omeprazole - impaired consciousness, and with caffeine - its reduced excretion from the body.
Chlorzoxazone increases the concentration of an anti-alcohol drug in the blood, while Chlorpromazine increases arterial hypotension.
The drug "Disulfiram": reviews, price and analogues
Similar effects have drugs such as Exorran, Radoter, Espenal, Crotenal, Tetlong, Refusal, Stoptil, Antiethyl, Contrapot, Tetradine, Antiethane , “Dizetil”, “Alcophobin”, “Aversan”, “Antikol”, “Antabus”, “Esperal”, “Lidevin”, “Abstinil”.
How much does Disulfiram Medication cost? The price of this medicine in tablets varies between 200-1000 rubles (depending on the manufacturer). As for the implantation form, as well as the oil solution, they can be purchased for 600-2400 rubles.
Most reviews of the drug in question are positive. It is noteworthy that this medication is often used for secret treatment of people with alcoholism. Experts do not recommend giving this tool without the knowledge of the patient.
According to the reviews of those who used the drug in question, it very effectively fights the desire to take a new portion of alcohol. As a rule, after taking this drug , the patient has an aversion to alcohol. If an alcoholic drink was taken after using the medication, then it causes acute dyspepsia, hot flashes, severe asthenia, tachycardia and even threatening hypotension.