A medication used to reinforce alcohol abstinence in patients with alcoholism because it produces severe nausea and vomiting when the person drinks. Disulfiram inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism in the liver, and the resultant buildup of acetaldehyde produces symptoms of nausea and vomiting, with severity depending on concentration. Patients must be counseled against using topical agents containing alcohol (e.g., perfume, aftershave) or consuming liquids or foods containing alcohol (e.g., mouthwashes, foods cooked in alcohol). Marketed under the brand name antabuse.
Drug used to treat alcoholism by causing severe nausea if alcohol is consumed with it.
Alcohol deterrent, commonly known under the trade name Antabuse, used in the treatment of alcoholism. It causes nausea, abdominal cramping, and sweating if alcohol is ingested. Adverse reactions, which can be extremely severe, include neuritis and polyneuritis; drowsiness and skin eruptions occur in some patients. The drug interacts with many other drugs and must be used with caution in those taking drugs for many disorders.
A drug used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It acts as a deterrent by producing unpleasant effects when taken with alcohol, including flushing, breathing difficulties, headache, palpitations, nausea, and vomiting. It is administered by mouth; common side-effects are fatigue, nausea, and constipation.
Disulfiram is used as an adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism. It is relatively non-toxic by itself, but when taken in conjunction with alcohol it produces most unpleasant effects: for example, flushing of the face, palpitations, a sense of oppression and distress, nausea and vomiting. The rationale of treatment therefore is to give the alcoholic subject a course of disulfiram and then demonstrate, by letting him or her take some alcoholic liquor, how unpleasant are the effects. If the patient is co-operative, the treatment may be effective, but there is some risk and it must be given under skilled medical supervision.
Since the late 1940s, there has been a medication utilized as an integral component of alcohol abuse treatment. This medication, known as Disulfiram or commercially available as Antabuse, induces alterations in the body’s alcohol metabolism. Even minimal consumption of alcohol by the patient triggers a range of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, vomiting, and other adverse effects.
The drug you are referring to is “disulfiram.” It acts as a deterrent to drinking alcohol by causing unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed. Disulfiram is prescribed to individuals who seek assistance in overcoming alcohol dependence. When taken in combination with a counseling program, disulfiram helps discourage alcohol consumption by inducing adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid heart rate when alcohol is ingested. This negative reinforcement aims to support those struggling with alcohol addiction in abstaining from drinking and facilitating their journey towards sobriety.
Indeed, you are correct. Disulfiram causes a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body, which leads to various unpleasant symptoms such as flushing (redness of the skin), headache, nausea, dizziness, and palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat). These symptoms can occur within 10 minutes of consuming alcohol and may persist for several hours. It is crucial for individuals taking disulfiram to avoid alcohol-containing products as the combination can result in these adverse reactions. In some cases, consuming significant amounts of alcohol while on disulfiram treatment can even lead to unconsciousness. This drug is commonly used as a deterrent for individuals seeking help to overcome alcohol dependence, as it creates negative associations with alcohol consumption, aiding in their efforts to maintain sobriety.