(ATN) Antabuse/DTC: Controlling Gastrointestinal Side Effects

(ATN) Antabuse/DTC: Controlling Gastrointestinal Side Effects

AIDS TREATMENT NEWS No. 070 - December 2, 1988
John S. James

Many people using antabuse (or using DTC, also called imu- thiol) as an immune modulator experience cramps and diarrhea the day after taking the medication. Bernard Bihari, M. D. asked a nutritionist about possible diet supplements to control these effects. The method suggested completely controlled the problem in seven of eight persons using antabuse who have tried it so far; the eighth was much improved. (It has also worked for two people who obtained imuthiol from Paris.)

The diet is simply:

(1) Include a bowl of high-fiber cereal (4 to 5 grams per serving) with breakfast every day; and

(2) On the days the antabuse or DTC is used, take two table- spoons of olive oil an hour before lunch; then take the medicine with lunch.

The recommended dose of antabuse, which is a prescription drug, is 500 mg twice per week. Precautions are to avoid alcohol, of course, and also to watch out for cough syrups and other liquid medicines, which may contain alcohol. Alcohol-free formulas are available.

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