PRODUCT DETAILS

About Alwid 250mg Tablet

DISULFIRAM belongs to the class of medications called 'Antabuse' used to treat alcohol dependence or chronic alcoholism. Heavy long-term use of alcohol can cause addiction in an individual, thereby making changes in your brain. Long-term alcohol intake can severely damage your liver and can cause liver cirrhosis or fatty liver syndrome.

DISULFIRAM contains 'Disulfiram' which works by blocking an enzyme that breakdown alcohol in our body. When a patient drinks alcohol, it is changed into acetaldehyde, DISULFIRAM blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde. This results in a higher level of acetaldehyde in the blood, causing discomforting physical reactions. DISULFIRAM can help alcohol-addicted people who have decided to quit alcohol drinking by deterring them from drinking again. So, it acts as a supportive agent in the treatment of alcoholism. 

DISULFIRAM should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, with or without a meal to avoid stomach upset and at fixed intervals every day for best results. The common side effects of DISULFIRAM include drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), sweating, increased thirst, swelling, rapid weight gain, nausea, severe vomiting, neck pain, throbbing headache, blurred vision, fast or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, confusion, weakness, spinning sensation, feeling unsteady, or and metallic/garlic-like taste in the mouth may occur as your body gets used to the medication. Everyone need not experience the above side effects. If DISULFIRAM causes any serious case of discomfort, speak with a doctor.

Before starting DISULFIRAM, do not take DISULFIRAM if you have consumed alcohol within the past 12 hours. Do not consume alcohol while taking DISULFIRAM and at least up to 14 days after you stop taking DISULFIRAM. If prescribed by your doctor, DISULFIRAM is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unpleasant effects may occur after taking minimal amounts of alcohol used in cooking or even if rubbed into the skin. Avoid any of the alcohol-containing aftershave, perfumes/colognes, body lotions, vinegar and alcohol-containing mouthwash, and, hand sanitizer. Even exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizers in some people can trigger a serious side effect response. Hence hand-washing with water and soap is recommended instead. 

Uses of Alwid 250mg Tablet

Alcohol addiction

Medicinal Benefits of Alwid 250mg Tablet

DISULFIRAM contains 'Disulfiram' which belongs to 'Antabuse' used to treat alcohol dependence. It works by blocking an enzyme (acetaldehyde) that helps break alcohol in the body. DISULFIRAM helps alcohol-dependent people who have decided to quit alcohol drinking by deterring them from drinking again. 

Directions for Use

A patient should take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily, either in the morning or as directed by a doctor. If this medication causes symptoms like drowsiness, take it at bedtime. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication daily to get the maximum benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Side Effects of Alwid 250mg Tablet

Most of the side effects of DISULFIRAM do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Some common side effects of DISULFIRAM are drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, and a metallic/garlic-like taste in the mouth. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. 

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Signs of an overdose of DISULFIRAM include feeling or being sick, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, mental disorders, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, high body temperature, low blood pressure, loss of muscle control, high blood sugar, changes in the blood (as seen in blood tests). Certain foods, liquid medicines, remedies, tonics, toiletries, perfumes, and sprays may contain enough alcohol to cause a disulfiram tablet -alcohol reaction. So avoid using any alcohol-containing medicines, hand wash, mouth wash, or alcoholic beverages as it may lead to an 'aldehyde reaction'. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

 DISULFIRAM interacts with anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin), anti-asthma drugs (theophylline), blood thinners (warfarin, dicumarol), anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid), sedatives (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam), antipsychotics (pimozide), anti-depressants (amitriptyline), mental health drugs (chlorpromazine), and antimicrobial drugs (metronidazole).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

 DISULFIRAM is to be avoided in a patient with coronary artery disease, mental disorder, diabetes, underactive thyroid gland, brain seizures, brain damage, kidney disease & liver disease. 

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

Not recommended for alcoholism as DISULFIRAM and alcohol causes severe 'aldehyde reaction' causing life-threatening conditions.

PREGNANCY

Not enough data is available but DISULFIRAM is not given in pregnant females unless recommended by a doctor.

BREAST FEEDING

Not recommended as such not enough data is available. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before taking DISULFIRAM.

DRIVING

Not recommended before driving. DISULFIRAM has been found to cause drowsiness in the patient. Hence, it is not recommended to take DISULFIRAM before driving or performing hazardous tasks.

LIVER

 

• Not recommended in liver patients. DISULFIRAM has been found to cause liver damage in patients & hence not recommended to be taken without a doctor's consultation.

 

KIDNEY

Not recommended in kidney patients. DISULFIRAM should be taken by kidney patients only at the doctor's consultation.