ABOUT COURSE
This course delves into Disulfiram, a medication used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, thereby discouraging drinking.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
This course is designed to elevate the clinical skills of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers through comprehensive training in prescribing and managing Disulfiram therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Disulfiram is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names names under which Disulfiram is available in the market
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Disulfiram.
- Know the dosages for all potential off label uses
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Disulfiram in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Disulfiram correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Disulfiram.
- Understand how Disulfiram works in the brain to treat substance abuse and other conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Disulfiram on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Disulfiram is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Disulfiram in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Disulfiram.
- Elimination: Understand how Disulfiram is eliminated from the body.
- Half-life: Know the half-life of Disulfiram and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Disulfiram and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Disulfiram due to drug interactions
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Disulfiram.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Disulfiram should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with partial response to Disulfiram.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Disulfiram therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Disulfiram.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Disulfiram .
Overdose:
- Understand the signs & symptoms of Disulfiram overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Disulfiram to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Disulfiram .
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Disulfiram to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Disulfiram dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Disulfiram use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Disulfiram based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
