Disulfiram Pharmacology

Disulfiram

About Disulfiram
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor ,Thiuram disulfide derivative, Management of chronic alcoholism(Alcohol abuse).
Mechanism of Action of Disulfiram
Disulfiram is an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor. Alcohol is converted in to aldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme and aldehyde to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme. When alcohol is taken after Disulfiram aldehyde is not converted to acetate since Disulfiram inhibits the aldehyde converting enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. This will leads to accumulation of aldehyde in blood and body tissues and will produce undesirable side effects (distressing symptoms) such as flushing, burning, sensation, throbbing headache, perspiration, uneasiness, tightness of chest, dizziness, vomiting, visual disturbances etc. and patients dislike to take alcohol.
Pharmacokinets of Disulfiram
Absorption: Disulfiram is completely absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: It is mainly distributed to adipose tissue.
Metabolism: Disulfiram undergoes metabolism in the liver by oxidation.
Excretion: Most of the drugs excreted through urine and small amount through lungs and faeces.
Onset of Action for Disulfiram
1- 2 hours
Duration of Action for Disulfiram
14 days
Half Life of Disulfiram
N/A
Side Effects of Disulfiram
1.Headache
2.Drowsiness
3.Depresion
4.Neuritis
5.Rashes
6.Metallic taste
7.Nervousness
8.Malaise
9.Abdominal upset
Contra-indications of Disulfiram
1.Hypersensitivity to Disulfiram
2.Myocardial disease
3.Coronary occlusion
Special Precautions while taking Disulfiram
1.Diabetes mellitus
2.Renal impairment
3.Hypothyroidism
4.Seizure disorder
5.Cerebral damage
6.Nephritis
7.Hepatic cirrhosis
8.Patient on Phenytoin therapy
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Disulfiram
1. Management of chronic alcoholism
Interactions for Disulfiram
Alcohol: Severe alcohol intolerance reaction-intense flushing of face and neck accompanied by sweating, palpitation, tachycardia, dyspnoea, dizziness, headache, hypertension initially and then hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, exhaustion, sleep, convulsion, cardiopulmonary arrest.
Benzodiazepines: Increases CNS depression of those benzodiazapines metabolised by oxidation.
Caffeine: Cardiovascular & CNS stimulation effects of caffeine enhanced.
Hydantoins: Increases serum hydantoin levels resulting in toxicity.
Isoniazid: Unsteady gait and marked changes in behaviour.
Metronidazole: Acute toxic psychosis or confusional state.
Phenothiazine: Hypotensive effect potentiated.
TCAs: Acute organic brain syndrome.
Warfarin: Increase in anticoagulant effect.
Typical Dosage for Disulfiram
Adult: Initial dose: 1g / day then gradually decrease the dose by 0.25g every day up to 0.25 g. Maintenance dose: 0.125-0.5 mg/day for 2 weeks or until permanent self control is obtained.
Schedule of Disulfiram
N/A
Storage Requirements for Disulfiram
Store in a cool dry place. Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children
Effects of Missed Dosage of Disulfiram
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Disulfiram
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Shock can be treated by administration of plasma or electrolyte solutions and if Hypokalaemia occurs potassium supplement should be given.

Home Delivery for Disulfiram in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including disulfiram.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for disulfiram and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for disulfiram may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take disulfiram only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for disulfiram before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for disulfiram with the pharmacy.

Disulfiram is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for disulfiram might be better known than disulfiram itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have disulfiram in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for disulfiram.