Antabuse

What is it?

Composition

The composition of Antabuse is based on the active substance - Disulfiram. This is the main component that determines the therapeutic effect of the drug. Disulfiram actively interacts with alcohol in the body, causing negative reactions that help the patient stay sober. In addition, the drug may include auxiliary substances that enhance the effect or improve absorption.

• Disulfiram is the main active substance of the drug.
• Additional auxiliary components may include binders and fillers.
• It also consists of components that work to improve absorption or therapeutic effect when used.

This combination allows not only to effectively affect the body, but also to carry out addiction treatment under the supervision of a doctor as safely and comfortably as possible.

How to use?

The correct use of Antabuse plays a key role in the success of treatment. It is recommended to take the drug orally with a full glass of water. Each patient must strictly follow the doctors instructions.

1. Take the drug orally with a full glass of water to ensure rapid absorption and action.
2. Do not take the drug less than 12 hours after drinking alcohol, as this can cause severe adverse reactions.
3. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid to facilitate swallowing, if necessary.

Take it regularly, at the intervals and dosages prescribed by the doctor, without unauthorized interruptions of treatment, which will avoid complications and achieve the desired result in the treatment of addiction.

How does it work?

The mechanism of action of Antabuse is to block the metabolism of alcohol in the body, which causes the accumulation of acetaldehyde - a toxic by-product of the breakdown of ethanol. This concentration leads to unpleasant reactions, including nausea, vomiting, headaches and a number of other symptoms that make drinking alcohol an extremely uncomfortable process.

Antabuse acts on a psychophysical level, requiring the patient to consciously refuse alcohol. Over time, a sharp increase in acetaldehyde in the blood when trying to drink forms a psychological aversion to alcohol. This contributes to the creation of a new behavior pattern, where alcohol ceases to be a part of a persons life.

Thus, Disulfiram works not only on a physical level, but also promotes psychological restructuring and a change in the patients attitude to alcohol. This makes it an effective tool on the path to a healthy lifestyle.

Indications

Antabuse is prescribed in a number of cases related to the need to maintain sobriety in people suffering from alcohol dependence and looking for a way to maintain this sobriety in the long term. The main indications for the use of the drug are:

• Alcohol dependence in the chronic stage, where active intervention is needed to prevent relapses.
• Having a history of repeated breakdowns, when other methods of therapy have proven insufficiently effective.
• The need for medical support during long periods of abstinence from alcohol, including after inpatient treatment.

The drug helps to strengthen the patients desire to lead a sober lifestyle, reducing the temptation to resume drinking alcohol due to negative physical reactions to its intake.

Contraindications

Antabuse has a number of contraindications that should be taken into account before starting treatment. You should refrain from taking this drug in several cases to avoid complications and side effects.

• The presence of brain damage or other serious neurological diseases.
• Chronic heart, liver or kidney diseases that can be aggravated by the drug.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, to avoid risks to the health of the child.
• Allergic reactions to Disulfiram or any auxiliary components of the drug.

Contraindications include a wide range of conditions, and consultation with a doctor remains necessary to prevent unwanted consequences when used.

Side effects

Like any medicine, Antabuse can cause side effects that are important to know and recognize in a timely manner. Some of them require immediate medical attention, and patients should be informed of the possible risks.

• Allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, and swelling.
• Vision changes that may make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
• Psychological changes, such as confusion or irritability.
• Liver problems, manifested by yellowing of the skin or other symptoms.

There are also side effects that do not require immediate medical attention, but it is still worth paying attention to their manifestation and reporting them to a doctor if they continue.