Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension is a compounded medication designed to support individuals in the management of chronic alcoholism. As a liquid dosage form, this suspension ensures that the active ingredient, disulfiram, is uniformly dispersed throughout a liquid medium, providing a homogeneous mixture for administration. This formulation is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or require precise dosing adjustments.

Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, it is first converted to acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that is normally metabolized by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase into harmless substances. By blocking this enzyme, disulfiram causes a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body when alcohol is ingested, leading to unpleasant effects such as flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and palpitations. These adverse reactions serve as a deterrent to drinking alcohol.

This medication is intended as a supportive therapy for individuals committed to maintaining sobriety and should be used in conjunction with counseling and psychosocial support. It is important for patients to understand that disulfiram does not cure alcoholism but helps reinforce abstinence by creating a negative physical response to alcohol consumption.

Patients prescribed Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension should take the medication exactly as directed by their healthcare provider. The dosage may be adjusted based on individual needs and response to therapy. The liquid suspension allows for flexible dosing and ease of administration, which can enhance adherence to the treatment regimen.

Before initiating therapy with disulfiram, patients should undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Disulfiram is contraindicated in individuals with severe heart disease, psychosis, or known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. Liver function should be monitored regularly, as disulfiram can cause hepatotoxicity. Patients should be advised to avoid all forms of alcohol, including in medications, foods, and personal care products, to prevent unintended reactions.

Common side effects of disulfiram, aside from the alcohol-induced reaction, may include skin rash, drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, and a metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth. Patients should report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.

Prescribers should consider the appropriateness of disulfiram therapy for each patient, taking into account their medical history, level of motivation, and ability to comply with the required abstinence from alcohol. Education on the potential reactions with alcohol and the importance of adherence to the treatment plan is essential. Regular follow-up appointments can help monitor progress, manage side effects, and provide ongoing support

Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension is a liquid dosage form designed to assist in the management of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (alcohol). This formulation is intended to support patients in maintaining abstinence from alcohol by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. It is crucial for both patients and prescribers to be aware of potential drug interactions that may affect the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed. This accumulation results in unpleasant reactions such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. Due to its mechanism of action, disulfiram can interact with a variety of substances, including medications, foods, and other products containing alcohol or alcohol derivatives.

Patients should be advised to avoid all forms of alcohol, including those found in certain foods, sauces, vinegars, and medications such as cough syrups and tonics. Even small amounts of alcohol can trigger a disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Additionally, patients should be cautious with products that may contain hidden alcohol, such as mouthwashes, aftershaves, and perfumes.

Disulfiram may interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effects. For instance, disulfiram can enhance the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. It is important for prescribers to monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR) closely in patients taking both disulfiram and warfarin. Disulfiram may also interact with phenytoin, leading to elevated phenytoin levels and potential toxicity. Regular monitoring of phenytoin levels is recommended in such cases.

Other potential drug interactions include those with isoniazid, which may increase the risk of central nervous system toxicity, and metronidazole, which can lead to confusion and psychotic reactions. Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to assess for potential interactions.

In addition to drug interactions, disulfiram may interact with certain medical conditions. Patients with a history of severe heart disease, psychosis, or hypersensitivity to disulfiram or thiuram derivatives used in pesticides and rubber vulcanization should use this medication with caution. It is essential for prescribers to evaluate the patient's medical history thoroughly before initiating disulfiram therapy.

For patients and prescribers considering the use of Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension, understanding these potential interactions is vital for ensuring safe and effective treatment. If you have any questions or require further information, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. We are here to assist you with any concerns regarding this formulation and its use in treating chronic alcoholism.

Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension is a liquid dosage form designed to provide a uniform and homogeneous mixture of the active ingredient, disulfiram, dispersed throughout a liquid medium. This formulation is particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or require precise dosing adjustments. The liquid suspension allows for easy administration and can be tailored to meet individual patient needs, ensuring accurate and consistent dosing.

Disulfiram is primarily used in the management of chronic alcoholism. It works by interfering with the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, specifically by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, into acetic acid, which is non-toxic. When disulfiram is present, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, leading to unpleasant physiological reactions when alcohol is consumed. These reactions can include flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and palpitations, collectively known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction. The aversive effects serve as a deterrent to drinking, thereby supporting abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorder.

For prescribers, it is important to note that disulfiram is not a cure for alcoholism but rather a supportive therapy that should be used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral interventions. The oral suspension form allows for flexible dosing, which can be particularly useful in titrating the dose to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects. It is crucial to ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential reactions and the importance of avoiding alcohol in all forms, including hidden sources such as certain foods, medications, and hygiene products.

Patients should be advised to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosing regimen and to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any concerns or side effects they may experience. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The liquid suspension should be stored as directed, typically in a cool, dry place, and shaken well before each use to ensure proper dispersion of the active ingredient.

If you have any questions or require further information about Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is here to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding this formulation or its use in treating alcohol use disorder.

Disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension is primarily known for its use in the management of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol. However, beyond its primary indication, disulfiram has been explored for several other potential therapeutic uses, which may be of interest to both patients and prescribers. One such area of interest is its potential role in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Preliminary research has suggested that disulfiram may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in the context of breast cancer and prostate cancer, due to its ability to inhibit the proteasome and disrupt the function of cancer stem cells. This has led to ongoing clinical trials investigating its efficacy and safety as an adjunctive cancer therapy.

Additionally, disulfiram has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Some studies have indicated that disulfiram may reduce cocaine use by inhibiting dopamine β-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of dopamine, thereby altering the reward pathways associated with cocaine use. This off-label use is still under investigation, and prescribers should weigh the potential benefits against the risks when considering disulfiram for this purpose.

There is also emerging interest in the use of disulfiram for the treatment of Lyme disease, particularly in cases of persistent symptoms or chronic Lyme disease. Some anecdotal reports and small studies have suggested that disulfiram may be effective in reducing symptoms, possibly due to its antimicrobial properties. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety in this context.

For patients and prescribers considering disulfiram for these alternative uses, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion about the current evidence, potential benefits, and risks. As with any off-label use, careful monitoring and a personalized approach to treatment are essential. If you have any questions or need further information about disulfiram 25 mg/mL Oral Suspension and its potential uses, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. We are here to provide guidance and support for your compounding needs.