Disulfiram 500 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid is a specially compounded medication designed for oral use, providing a precise 500 mg dose of disulfiram in each 5 mL of liquid. This formulation is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as those with dysphagia, or for specific populations like children and the elderly who may require alternative dosage forms. The liquid formulation ensures ease of administration and allows for accurate dosing, which is critical in maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication.

Disulfiram is primarily used in the management of chronic alcoholism. It acts as an alcohol deterrent by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in metabolizing ethanol. When a patient on disulfiram consumes alcohol, they experience unpleasant physiological effects, including but not limited to flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. These effects, known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction, are intended to deter the patient from consuming alcohol. It is important to note that disulfiram is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychological support and counseling.

For prescribers considering this formulation, it is essential to thoroughly assess the patient's medical history, current medications, and their commitment to abstinence from alcohol. Patients should be made aware of the potential reactions with alcohol and the importance of avoiding all alcohol-containing products. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended due to the potential hepatotoxicity associated with disulfiram. Additionally, patients should be counseled on the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosing schedule and the need to keep follow-up appointments.

Bayview Pharmacy's team of compounding pharmacists is dedicated to providing high-quality, customized medications to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our Disulfiram 500 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid is prepared with the utmost care, ensuring stability and consistency of the formulation. If you have any questions or require further information about this medication, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support both patients and healthcare providers in the effective management of alcohol dependence with tailored pharmaceutical solutions.

Disulfiram is an oral medication that is used primarily in the management of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (alcohol). Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, causing unpleasant effects that deter the consumption of alcohol. These effects can include flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. It is important to note that disulfiram should only be used in patients who have been sober for at least 12 hours and have committed to abstaining from alcohol.

When considering the use of disulfiram, it is crucial to be aware of potential drug interactions that may occur. Disulfiram can interact with a wide range of substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and certain food products. One of the most significant interactions is with alcohol-containing products, including some cough syrups, tonics, and even vinegars, which can lead to a disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Patients should be advised to avoid all alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol while taking disulfiram.

Disulfiram may also interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, leading to changes in INR and an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of INR levels is recommended when initiating or discontinuing disulfiram therapy in patients on warfarin. Additionally, disulfiram can inhibit the metabolism of certain benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), potentially leading to increased plasma concentrations and enhanced effects or toxicity of these medications. Patients should be monitored for signs of excessive sedation or serotonin syndrome, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Other medications that may interact with disulfiram include isoniazid, metronidazole, and certain antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, which can increase the risk of disulfiram-like reactions. The concomitant use of these drugs with disulfiram should be avoided or closely monitored. Additionally, disulfiram can inhibit the metabolism of phenytoin, leading to elevated phenytoin levels and potential toxicity. Regular monitoring of phenytoin serum levels and clinical signs of toxicity is advised when used concurrently with disulfiram.

It is also important to consider that disulfiram can affect the metabolism of certain chemotherapeutic agents, such as procarbazine, leading to increased toxicity. Patients undergoing cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before starting disulfiram. Furthermore, patients with diabetes mellitus taking disulfiram may experience altered blood glucose control due to interactions with hypoglycemic agents, and careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended.

Given the extensive range of potential drug interactions with disulfiram, it is essential for prescribers to conduct a thorough medication review for each patient prior to initiating disulfiram therapy. Patients should be counseled on the importance of informing all healthcare providers, including dentists and pharmacists, about their disulfiram treatment to prevent inadvertent exposure to contraindicated substances. If you have any questions or require further information regarding drug interactions with disulfiram, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy.

Disulfiram is an oral medication that works by interfering with the body's ability to metabolize alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, it is first metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is then further broken down by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. Disulfiram inhibits the action of this enzyme, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood when alcohol is ingested. This results in unpleasant physiological effects, such as flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations, collectively known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction. This reaction is intended to deter individuals from consuming alcohol by creating a conditioned aversive response to its intake.

The Disulfiram 500 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid formulation is designed to provide a precise dosage of disulfiram in a liquid form, which is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as those with esophageal disorders, or for those who prefer a liquid dosage form, such as pediatric and geriatric patients. The liquid formulation allows for flexible dosing and can be easily administered using a dosing syringe or cup. It is important to note that the medication should be taken consistently as prescribed and that patients should avoid all forms of alcohol, including those found in sauces, vinegars, cough syrups, and other products, as even small amounts can trigger the disulfiram-alcohol reaction.

Disulfiram is primarily used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It serves as a deterrent to drinking by promoting abstinence through the fear of the reaction that occurs upon alcohol consumption. It is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and support. It is crucial for prescribers to ensure that patients are fully aware of the potential reactions associated with alcohol consumption while on disulfiram therapy and to assess the patient's motivation and commitment to abstaining from alcohol. Additionally, prescribers should monitor liver function tests before and during treatment, as disulfiram can cause hepatotoxicity.

Patients should be counseled on the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosage and the necessity of avoiding all alcohol-containing products. They should also be informed about the potential side effects of disulfiram itself, which can include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, acne, and a metallic or garlic-like aftertaste. It is essential for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider about any concerns or side effects they experience, as well as any other medications or supplements they are taking, as disulfiram can interact with certain substances.

If you have any questions or require further information about the Disulfiram 500 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid formulation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of knowledgeable compounding pharmacists is here to provide guidance and support to both patients and prescribers to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.

Disulfiram, as an oral liquid, is primarily prescribed for the management of chronic alcoholism, causing an acute sensitivity to ethanol. By inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, disulfiram ensures that when a person consumes alcohol, they experience unpleasant physiological effects like flushing, nausea, and palpitations, which help deter them from alcohol intake. However, in addition to its primary use for treating alcohol dependence, disulfiram has been explored for other potential applications.

One lesser-known use of disulfiram is in the field of oncology. There is growing evidence suggesting that disulfiram may exhibit anticancer properties, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy. Research indicates that disulfiram can selectively target certain cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. This is an area of active investigation, and it highlights an avenue where disulfiram's utility extends beyond its conventional role in addiction treatment.

Furthermore, disulfiram has shown promise in the treatment of certain parasitic infections such as giardiasis and leishmaniasis. Although not a first-line treatment, disulfiram's antiparasitic effects could provide an alternative for patients who do not respond to standard therapies. Additionally, recent studies have suggested potential roles for disulfiram in the management of Lyme disease and as an adjuvant therapy in HIV, as it may impair the replication of the virus or affect the persistence of infected cells.

It's important to note that while these alternative uses of disulfiram show potential, they are not widely sanctioned and should be approached with caution. Many of these applications are still under investigation and require more robust clinical evidence to support their efficacy and safety. Moreover, disulfiram may interact with other medications and can cause significant adverse effects, which accentuates the importance of its administration under close medical supervision. Prescribers and patients are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of off-label uses of disulfiram and are reminded that treatment protocols may differ significantly from those employed in alcohol dependency treatment.

As with any medication, it is critical to use disulfiram as directed by a healthcare professional, and to keep open communication with your pharmacist or physician regarding its use. If you have any questions or require further clarification on the potential other uses of disulfiram 500 mg/5 mL oral liquid or specific concerns about its administration, do not hesitate to contact us at Bayview Pharmacy. We are dedicated to ensuring your safety and optimizing your therapeutic outcomes.