Alcot
Generic Name
Disulfiram
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| alcot 400 mg tablet | ৳ 1.00 | ৳ 10.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Disulfiram is an alcohol deterrent drug used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol. It works by causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 500 mg once daily for 1-2 weeks. Maintenance dose: 250 mg once daily. Max dose: 500 mg daily. Should not exceed 500 mg daily.
Elderly
Use with caution, starting with lower doses (e.g., 125-250 mg once daily), due to increased sensitivity and potential for adverse effects. Dose adjustment based on individual tolerance.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment guidelines are available. Use with caution due to potential accumulation of metabolites. Monitor patient closely for adverse effects.
How to Take
Administer orally, usually once daily in the morning. If drowsiness occurs, it may be taken at bedtime. The tablet can be crushed and mixed with liquid (water, coffee, milk, or fruit juice) to facilitate administration.
Mechanism of Action
Disulfiram inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. This leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body after alcohol consumption, causing highly unpleasant symptoms known as the disulfiram-ethanol reaction.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Effects typically begin within 10-30 minutes of alcohol ingestion, and drug action persists for 1-2 weeks after the last dose due to irreversible enzyme inhibition.
Excretion
Mainly excreted via urine as metabolites. A small portion is excreted as carbon disulfide through the lungs.
Half life
Elimination half-life is variable (60-120 minutes for unchanged drug) but the clinical effect persists much longer.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (80-90%).
Metabolism
Metabolized extensively in the liver to diethyldithiocarbamate and its metabolites, which are potent inhibitors of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Severe myocardial disease or coronary occlusion
- •Psychosis
- •Alcohol intoxication or recent alcohol consumption (within 12 hours)
- •Hypersensitivity to disulfiram or thiuram derivatives
- •Concomitant use with alcohol, metronidazole, paraldehyde, or alcohol-containing preparations
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Severe disulfiram-ethanol reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, potentially fatal).
Warfarin
Increases anticoagulant effect, leading to increased risk of bleeding.
Isoniazid
May lead to an increased risk of CNS side effects like ataxia or changes in mental status.
Phenytoin
Inhibits phenytoin metabolism, increasing phenytoin levels and risk of toxicity.
Metronidazole
May cause psychotic reactions and confusion.
Storage
Store below 30°C (86°F) in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and symptomatic treatment. Seek immediate medical attention.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential excretion into breast milk and unknown effects on the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date. Check the expiration date on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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