Order antabuse (Disulfiram)
   

Antabuse (Disulfiram)
Drug Name
Antabuse (Disulfiram)
Generic Name: disulfiram

Description

Disulfiram is available with a prescription under the brand name Antabuse. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Antabuse is used to treat chronic alcoholism. Antabuse interferes with the metabolism of alcohol resulting in unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. It makes drinking alcoholic beverages an unpleasant experience. This medication must never be used without a person's knowledge. This drug is not a cure for alcoholism and must be used in combination with supportive therapy and counseling.

Drug Class

Antabuse produces a sensitivity to alcohol which results in a highly unpleasant reaction when the patient under treatment ingests even small amounts of alcohol. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic. Any concentration of it in the blood causes unpleasant physiological events: rapid increase in blood flow to the skin of the face, neck, and chest, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, and extreme drowsiness. During alcohol metabolism after antabuse intake, the concentration of acetaldehyde occurring in the blood may be 5 to 10 times higher than that found during metabolism of the same amount of alcohol alone. Accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood produces a complex of highly unpleasant symptoms referred to as the antabuse-alcohol reaction. The intensity of these effects is determined by the individual's metabolism and the concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood. Acetaldehyde is metabolized by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase into acetate, which is essentially harmless and eventually metabolized into carbon dioxide and water. Antabuse blocks production of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. The acetaldehyde remains in the system. The concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood increases according to the amount of alcohol consumed, as do the unpleasant effects it causes. The experience of drinking alcoholic beverages, which is normally pleasant, becomes unpleasant. Antabuse (Disulfiram) does not appear to influence the rate of alcohol elimination from the body.

 

Everyone knows what alcohol is, but not everyone understands the severity surrounding it's consumption. There are many facts about alcohol, some good and some bad, but the general consensus is that the majority of facts about alcohol are negative. Some experts believe that one beer a day can help with certain kidney functions, but these same experts realize the severity of drinking even one beer and getting behind the wheel of an automobile. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can impair the judgement needed to operate a motor vehicle, which is why it should never be done. In addition to remaining at home and away from an automobile if you have consumed any amount of alcohol, there are additional facts about alcohol that everyone should know.

Below are 14 facts relating to it's effects, treatments and possible health risks.

1. Alcohol is a depressant.

2. Alcohol can cause both short-term and long-term effects.

3. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair the judgement that is required to safely operate an automobile.

4. Alcohol can, and often does, result in serious side effects if consumed with certain medications.

5. Parents who consume alcohol excessively are much more likely to pass this trait onto their child. One of the most well known facts about alcohol is that expectant mothers who consume alcohol may give birth to a child who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

6. Excess drinking can cause diseases which lead to things such as Liver Failure, Brain Damage and Kidney Damage

7. There are legal limits of Alcohol you must keep to when driving. It is best not to drink and drive at all. In some states, one DUI (Driver Under the Influence) charge may result in probation, jail time, license revocation, a fine or a combination of the aforementioned penalties.

8. Drinking on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of actually becoming drunk.

9. Alcohol in the home is a temptation, so the removal of it will help to lessen the possibility of consumption.

10. Prolonged consumption of alcohol may result in substantial weight gain which, in turn, can have negative effects on the heart.

11. Excess Alcohol consumption in a single drinking session (OR BINGE DRINKING) can destroy your logical thinking patterns temporarily, that is, you may do or say things you usualy wouldn't, such as bad behavior, unsafe sex etc.

12. Alcohol is a drug, and is addictive.

13. Alcohol is a neurotoxin, which means it can poison the brain.

14. Six out of every Ten drowning incidents are caused by Alcohol

Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.