Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Antabuse, Antabus
Disulfiram is a medication used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (alcohol). It inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. This leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body, causing unpleasant effects like nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and palpitations when alcohol is consumed. Disulfiram belongs to the class of aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors.
Used in conjunction with counseling and support to manage chronic alcoholism by deterring alcohol consumption.
Outcome:
Disulfiram-alcohol reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, hypotension)
Mechanism:
Inhibition of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
Outcome:
Increased caffeine levels and effects
Mechanism:
Inhibition of caffeine metabolism
Outcome:
Potential for decreased disulfiram effectiveness
Mechanism:
Nicotine may induce disulfiram metabolism
Most likely new formulation: Controlled-release formulation to improve patient adherence (2026, 70% confidence).
Based on current usage patterns and ongoing research, the likelihood of disulfiram remaining a prescribed medication for alcohol aversion therapy is 95% over the next 5 years.
Alcohol Abuse Deterrent, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor
Thiuram Disulfide