Antabuse is used for:
Treating alcoholism.Antabuse is an alcohol-abuse deterrent. It works by blocking the breakdown of alcohol, causing unpleasant side effects (eg, vomiting, upset stomach) when even a small amount of alcohol is consumed.
Do NOT use Antabuse if:
* you are allergic to any ingredient in Antabuse or other similar medicines
* you are under the influence of alcohol
* you have severe heart disease, a blockage of your heart arteries, or a mental disorder (eg, psychosis)
* you are taking metronidazole or an alcohol-containing medicine (eg, certain HIV protease inhibitors [eg, amprenavir], cough syrups, other liquid medicines)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Antabuse :
Some medical conditions may interact with Antabuse . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, latex rubber)
* if you have brain damage, diabetes, heart or lung disease, mental or mood problems (eg, depression), an underactive thyroid, seizures, or liver or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Antabuse . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
* Alcohol-containing medicines (eg, certain HIV protease inhibitors [eg, amprenavir], cough syrups, other liquid medicines) or metronidazole because the risk of severe side effects may be increased
* Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), isoniazid, or phenytoin because side effects may be increased by Antabuse
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Antabuse may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine