Disulfiram

Drug #257

Disulfiram is a widely used antioxidant in rubber industry, causes extreme discomfort to patients who drink alcoholic beverages.Disulfiram is useful as a pharmacologic adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism. Disulfiram is given to persons who are seriously desiring to stop alcohol intake. It causes an intolerance to alcohol. It produces unpleasant reactions of flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, pounding heart, blurred vision when person ingested even small amounts of alcohol.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Alkyl Thiuram.

It belongs to Alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antidotes pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 296.5 · pK_a: not relevant · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 65 · Non-proprietary name: Disulfiram.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Disulfiram has an oral bioavailability is 40% (±40%).

Distribution: Disulfiram has a plasma protein binding is 50%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via extensive, plasma half-life is 7.3 ± 1.5 hr, renal excretion is partial.

Indications

Disulfiram is primarily indicated in conditions like Alcohol abuse, Nickel dermatitis.

Contraindications

Disulfiram is contraindicated in conditions like Psychosis, Peripheral neuropathy, Cardiovascular disease.

Dosage

Disulfiram's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
200 mg/kg	200 mg/kg	Every 24h	PO	Daily max dose 500mg.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown20 interactions

4 interactions

Major2 interactions

Minor1 interaction

Moderate5 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Disulfiram in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Encephalopathy , Convulsions , Hepatotoxicity , Peripheral neuropathy , Optic neuritis , Psychosis , Neuropsychiatric damage , Cardiovascular toxicity , Hepatotoxicity , Acetonemia, Optic atrophy.

Disulfiram produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Myocardial infarction, Cerebrovascular hemorrhage, Cerebrovascular infarction, Cerebrovascular hemorrhage. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Disulfiram are Encephalopathy, Confusion , Pyrexia, Aggression, Mild ketosis, Subacute flaccid tetraparesis, Somnolence, Decreased muscle tone.

Disulfiram is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Allergic dermatitis, Decrease in libido, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Halitosis, Headache, Insomnia, Nausea, Psychomimetic reaction, VertigoX, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

It should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, impaired liver or kidney function, respiratory disorder, cerebral damage or hypothyroidism. Disulfiram should not be given until atleast 24 hours after the last ingestion of alcohol. Do not use food, medication, liniments or lotions including after-shaves that contain alcohol. It is classified as pregnancy category B. Consult the doctor about the use of this medication in pregnant or nursing women. It should never be administered to patient with ethanol intoxication.

Interference in Pathology

Disulfiram may interfere in the diagnosis of Liver Function Test (LFT) .

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Tabs

200 mg

Storage Conditions

Disulfiram should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.4.2.9 — Alcohol intoxications

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Disulfiram in Pakistan:

Mass