Overview Introduction Firadel 500mg Tablet is a medicine used in the treatment of alcohol addiction. It works by producing interaction with alcohol and thereby causing unpleasant effects like nausea, flushing of face, headaches. Thus, it discourages the patient from taking alcohol while on this medication. Firadel 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food. Take this medicine as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor. Remember while taking this medication, avoid alcohol in all forms including beer, wine, aftershave lotions, mouthwash, vinegar, and liquid medications. Some common side effects of using this medication are headache, fatigue, drowsiness and metallic taste. Initially, it may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. It is important to know that you should take this medicine in combination with a counseling program as it will provide extra help to maintain abstinence from alcohol. Remember it will take time, support, willpower, and determination to readjust the habit of not drinking. Uses of Firadel Tablet Alcohol addiction Side effects of Firadel Tablet Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them Common side effects of Firadel Headache Fatigue Drowsiness Metallic taste How to cope with side effects? The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist. Coping with Headache Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. But, if they last longer or get worse, ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller. Coping with Drowsiness If the medicine is making you drowsy during the day, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. You can also consider taking a nap. Physical exercises such as walking may be helpful. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment when you are feeling drowsy. This problem usually goes away as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if it does not, ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at bedtime or whether the dose can be reduced. Coping with Metallic taste Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with saltwater or mouthwash after each snack or meal. Use plastic or glass utensils if the food tastes like metal. Avoid very hot or very cold foods. Chewing mints or gums may also help in improving the taste. Increase your fluid intake and choose foods that have strong flavors. Try adding garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices and pickles or chutneys. Avoid cigarette smoking. show more show less How to use Firadel Tablet Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Firadel 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. How Firadel Tablet works Firadel 500mg Tablet blocks the chemical which breaks the converted form of alcohol in the body. This leads to an increased level of converted form of alcohol in the body causing bad physical features while drinking alcohol. Safety Advice Alcohol UNSAFE It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Firadel 500mg Tablet. Pregnancy CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR Firadel 500mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. Breastfeeding CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR Firadel 500mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Driving UNSAFE Firadel 500mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Kidney CAUTION Firadel 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Firadel 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Liver CAUTION Firadel 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Firadel 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. What if you forget to take Firadel Tablet? If you miss a dose of Firadel 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
