Prescription Required
Description
What is Antabuse used for?
Antabuse is used for certain people with chronic alcoholism. This medication can keep an individual from drinking, because of the unpleasant side effects it disperses through the body, such as chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and thirst, when combined with any alcohol. Usually this medication is prescribed, and works with therapy and counseling support.
How does Antabuse work?
Antabuse interferes with how the body metabolizes alcohol. Usually alcohol is broken down in the body by a compound known as ‘acetaldehyde’, and then it is broken down further by an enzyme in the liver. Antabuse stops that enzyme from working. This means that when alcohol is consumed, the body cannot process it as it normally would. Causing acetaldehyde to build up in the blood stream. Which can act directly towards the heart and blood vessels. This causes an assortment of symptoms, which are all unpleasant.
You should not consume this medication if you have ingested anything that contains alcohol, such as mouthwash, cough medicine, cooking wine or vinegars, various desserts, among other products. It is advised to not take any other dosage then what has been prescribed by your doctor. If your dose is not listed here, do not change how you are taking this medication without consulting your doctor first.
Directions
Medication is to be taken by mouth, with a full glass of water. Take Anatabuse exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change the dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer then recommended.
You will need to take frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Also when Antabuse is used as part of a treatment program, the doctor may recommend that this medicine be given to you by a family member or other caregiver. This is to make sure you are using the medication as prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Cautions
Do not take Anabuse if you have consumed alcohol within the past 12 hours. Do not drink any alcohol when taking Anabuse, and for up to 14 days after you have stopped taking this medication.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor if you are having any of these side effects, which include;
Drowsiness, tiredness, headaches, metalloc or garlic-like taste in the mouth, Skin rash or acne, impotence and swollen or sore tongue.
FAQs
What is this medicine?
Antabuse can help patients that suffer from an alcohol abuse problem, and help stop them from drinking alcohol. When taken with alcohol, the medication reacts with unpleasent effects.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you are able. If it's almost done for the next dose, only take that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in a tight light resistant container. Make sure to throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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