Questions and Answers
What is the drug classification of Antabuse?
What is the dose range for Antabuse?
500 mg/day for 1-2 weeks, then 250-500 mg/day
What is one of the pharmacological actions of Antabuse?
What are the therapeutic uses of Antabuse?
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Which of the following is a side effect of Antabuse?
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Match the medication/food interactions with their effects:
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What should patients be informed about when taking Antabuse?
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What nursing intervention is important when administering Antabuse?
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What is the evaluation of medication effectiveness for Antabuse?
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Study Notes
Drug Classification
- Antabuse (disulfiram) functions as an enzyme inhibitor.
Dose Range
- Initial dose of 500 mg per day for 1-2 weeks.
- Maintenance dosage ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg per day.
Pharmacological Action
- Inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, preventing metabolism of alcohol.
- Causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed, leading to aversion.
- Aims to discourage alcohol intake in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Therapeutic Uses
- Primarily used in the management of chronic alcoholism.
- Helps enforce and maintain sobriety in recovering alcoholics.
Side Effects/Adverse Effects
- Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches.
- Possible psychiatric effects include psychoses.
- Other adverse effects can be erectile dysfunction, optic neuritis, and allergic dermatitis.
Medication/Food Interactions
- Significant interactions occur with alcohol, leading to severe reactions.
- Concurrent use with isoniazid may cause unsteady gait.
- Metronidazole can lead to confusion when combined with Antabuse.
- Benzodiazepines increase central nervous system (CNS) depression.
- Tricyclic antidepressants may raise drug levels, increasing the risk of organic brain syndrome.
Nursing Interventions/Client Education
- Patients should be educated on the severe consequences of alcohol consumption while on this medication.
- Advise against driving if experiencing drowsiness.
- Encourage consultation with a doctor before using other CNS depressants.
- Instruct to report any signs of hepatotoxicity such as jaundice or severe stomach pain.
- Recommend administering the medication at bedtime to mitigate daytime drowsiness.
Nursing Administration (Concerns)
- Contraindications include patients with cardiovascular disease, psychosis, or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- Liver function tests should be monitored at baseline and again 10-14 days after initiating therapy.
- Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry need monitoring every six months.
- Antabuse may increase cholesterol levels and decrease vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) concentrations.
- Prohibit alcohol consumption and any alcoholic medications during therapy and for 14 days post-therapy.
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
- Effectiveness is gauged by the patient's ability to maintain sobriety in the context of chronic alcoholism.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Antabuse (disulfiram), a drug used for managing chronic alcoholism. These flashcards cover essential topics like drug classification, dose range, pharmacological actions, and therapeutic uses. Ideal for medical students or healthcare professionals.
