Esperal 500mg Tablets: Uses and Usage

This is an automatically translated article.

Article by Pharmacist Phan Dieu Hien, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vinmec Danang International General Hospital

Esperal 500mg tablets are drugs used to treat patients with chronic alcoholism. This is a drug that needs to be taken according to the doctor's prescription, so the patient needs to use it exactly as directed by the doctor's advice and prescription.

1. Ingredients and uses of Esperal 500mg tablets


Esperal 500mg tablets have the main ingredient is Disulfiram 500mg. Disulfiram is an active ingredient that inhibits alcohol metabolism in the acetaldehyde stage, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body when the patient drinks alcohol.
When using Esperal 500mg, high concentration of acetaldehyde in the body causes unpleasant symptoms such as: Hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, thirst, chest tightness, shortness of breath ... These symptoms This will make the patient unable to continue drinking and gradually give up the use of alcohol.

2. Indications and contraindications of Esperal 500mg tablets


Esperal 500mg is indicated for the treatment of chronic alcoholism.
The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
Are taking metronidazole , paraldehyde or drugs containing alcohol (cough syrup, ...) Have cardiomyopathy or severe coronary blockage Have psychotic disorders alcohol poisoning or have consumed alcohol, alcoholic beverages within 12 hours. Hypersensitivity to disulfiram or other components of the drug.

3. How to use Esperal 500mg . tablets


Esperal 500mg tablets are used in oral form, do not chew the tablet when taking.
Dosage:
Initial dose of 250-500mg/day for 1-2 weeks. The maintenance dose is then adjusted according to the patient's response and tolerability, usually from 125-500 mg/day. If the therapeutic effect is not achieved after 6 months of treatment, it is advisable to switch to another anti-alcohol drug. However, patients should consult their doctor before stopping or changing medications.

4. Notes when using Esperal 500mg tablets


Time of drug use: Do not use the drug if you have used alcohol, alcoholic substances within the previous 12 hours. Some experts even recommend at least 48 hours after drinking alcohol before using Esperal. The effects of the drug can last up to 14 days after use if the patient uses alcohol. Some skin side effects may occur when taking the drug: Metallic taste in the mouth, hepatitis; changes in liver enzymes ; allergic skin reactions such as erythema, pruritus, central nervous system reactions such as fatigue, headache, blurred vision, seizures, ... Research data on the safety of the drug on Special subjects such as pregnant women, lactating women are limited, so the use of the drug is not recommended for these subjects unless directed by a doctor. Esperal 500mg tablets are ETC drugs, which means they are available on prescription only. To ensure safe, reasonable and effective use, you can visit Vinmec International General Hospitals nationwide to be examined, treated, and consulted by doctors and pharmacists. achieve optimal performance.
Medicines and chemicals at Vinmec Health System Hospitals are stored in cold storage in the most optimal conditions. The pharmacy system of Vinmec International General Hospital ensures to serve the needs of customers 24/7, with in-depth consulting services. The pharmacy pharmacists always provide full instructions on how to use the medicine, answer questions so that you understand how to use it and the notes during the treatment process, in order to achieve effectiveness, safety and reasonableness. when using drugs.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

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