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Colme for alcoholism
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Indications Colme for alcoholism
Indications for the use of Kolme for alcoholism are chronic alcohol dependence and prevention of relapses of alcoholism, as well as prolongation of remission and prevention of breakdowns in psychotherapeutic treatment of alcoholism. The mechanism of physiological intolerance to alcoholic beverages is formed by influencing the body, as a result of which its sensitivity to ethyl alcohol increases.
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Release form
The release form of this product is drops for oral administration in 15 ml ampoules; one package contains 4 ampoules with solution (total volume 60 ml) and a dosage dropper bottle. This form of the drug is the only one; Kolme anti-alcoholism tablets are not produced.
Pharmacodynamics
As the instructions for Kolme for alcoholism inform, the main active ingredient of the drug is cyanamide; auxiliary components are sorbic acid (preservative E200), glacial acetic acid (solvent), sodium acetate (preservative E262) and water for injection. One drop of Kolme for alcoholism contains 3 mg of cyanamide.
The effect on the body is provided by cyanamide: when it enters the body, cyanamide binds to proteins of the oxidative enzyme of hepatocytes acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and blocks their sulfhydryl groups. As a result, the process of dehydrogenation of ethanol to carbon dioxide and water is inhibited, the level of toxic metabolite of ethanol - acetaldehyde (acetaldehyde) increases in the liver, which begins to have a toxic effect on the body. With the next use of alcohol (approximately after 45-60 minutes), the skin of the face and upper body turns red, the pulse quickens, headache, chest pain, nausea and vomiting, a feeling of suffocation and cyanosis occur, blood pressure changes abruptly, a state of collapse is possible. This reaction passes spontaneously on average after 60 minutes. The manifestation of such a reaction to alcohol, repeated many times, is embedded in the method of aversive therapy for alcohol-dependent people and should form a persistent aversion to alcohol (its smell and taste) at the level of a conditioned reflex.
Kolme drops for alcoholism (single dose) provide increased sensitivity of the body to ethanol for 12 hours, which passes after this time.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of Kolme for alcoholism is not explained in the instructions for the drug, although it is known from other sources that cyanamide penetrates into the blood plasma and its bioavailability is at least 70%, and the total plasma clearance ranges from 42 to 62 minutes.
Also, the instructions for Kolma for alcoholism do not report that the active substance of this drug, cyanamide, is an amide of cyanic acid, and it is obtained by hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide, a toxic substance found in pesticides and herbicides. Cyanic acid compounds, especially when interacting with ethyl alcohol, cause a condition similar to that which occurs with pesticide poisoning.
Dosing and administration
Kolme drops for alcoholism should be taken orally 2 times a day, the interval between doses should be at least 12 hours. The standard dose is 15 drops per dose. The drops are added to cold non-alcoholic drinks or cold dishes. The duration of the course of treatment is 3 months. The drug is taken without interruption.
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Use Colme for alcoholism during pregnancy
The use of Kolme for alcoholism during pregnancy is unacceptable.
Contraindications
Kolme drops for alcoholism are contraindicated for use in cases of individual hypersensitivity to the substances included in the drug and in the presence of severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system, lungs, liver and kidneys.
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Side effects Colme for alcoholism
Side effects of Colme for alcoholism include increased drowsiness and a feeling of loss of strength, tinnitus and decreased visual acuity, decreased appetite and a feeling of discomfort in the stomach, skin rashes, increased diuresis, decreased libido, temporary leukocytosis or granulocytopenia.
The simultaneous use of Kolme for alcoholism with alcohol poses a significant health risk in cases of diabetes, epilepsy, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, as well as hyperthyroidism.
Overdose
An overdose of the drug may increase the intensity of side effects. The manufacturer has not described the symptoms of an overdose, but in case of an overdose, the stomach should be washed and measures should be taken to support the heart, lungs and liver. If necessary, a blood transfusion is indicated.
Interactions with other drugs
The interactions of Kolme for alcoholism with ethyl alcohol are described above, so you should avoid using any alcohol-containing medications.
In addition, Kolme drops for alcoholism are not prescribed simultaneously with the anti-tuberculosis drug isoniazid and the anti-epileptic drug phenytoin, as well as with other pharmaceuticals - inhibitors of the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (teturam, metronidazole).
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Storage conditions
Storage conditions for Kolme for alcoholism: at a temperature not exceeding +25°C, in a place protected from light.
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Special instructions
In the process of treating alcoholism, motivation and psychological attitude towards a sober lifestyle are very important. Therefore, most narcologists do not recommend that relatives of chronic alcoholics give them any drugs without the knowledge of the drinking person.
And Kolme for alcoholism, like all means used in aversion therapy for chronic alcohol addiction, does not guarantee a complete victory over the craving for alcohol, but helps to create a subconscious (conditioned reflex) barrier between a person and alcohol.
The price of Kolme for alcoholism in the pharmacy chain fluctuates between 345-385 UAH per package.
Shelf life
The shelf life of the drug is 24 months, and after opening the ampoule and pouring into a dispenser bottle - no longer than 30 days. The bottle should be tightly closed.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Colme for alcoholism" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.