Disulfiram
Antabuse (disulfiram) is the only product on this shelf, available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets as an alcohol deterrent used alongside treatment for Alcohol Dependence.
Key points
- Never take disulfiram while intoxicated or without full understanding of the reaction it causes with alcohol; this is a boxed warning on the label.
- It blocks the liver enzyme that breaks down alcohol, so even small amounts in food, liquid medicine, toiletries or perfumes can trigger a severe reaction.
- Disulfiram deters drinking through a physical reaction rather than by reducing the urge to drink.
How does Disulfiram work?
Disulfiram irreversibly inactivates aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), the liver enzyme that breaks down alcohol. With that enzyme blocked, a toxic by-product accumulates in the blood and produces flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat and headache within minutes of any alcohol exposure.
The effect lasts up to 14 days after the last tablet, so alcohol and alcohol-containing products must be avoided for that period. In Addiction Recovery treatment, disulfiram also affects the enzyme that converts dopamine to noradrenaline, which adds to the overall deterrent effect.