Disulfiram is used to help overcome your drinking problem. It is not a cure for alcoholism, but rather will discourage you from drinking. Disulfiram is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms + some more technical info: oral tablets, commonly supplied as 250 mg immediate release tablets for once-daily administration, formulated with excipients suitable for oral solid dosage forms; the active ingredient is a lipophilic thiuram disulfide that is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to diethylthiocarbamate and other metabolites which mediate aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition. Technically, disulfiram is practically insoluble in water, stable under normal storage conditions when kept in a tight container away from moisture and light, and is typically controlled for assay, related substances and microbial limits according to pharmacopeial standards. Typical analytical methods used in quality control include HPLC for assay and related compounds, GC for volatile degradation products, and ICP or similar methods for elemental impurities.
Parent: Disulfiram
Parent: Disulfiram
Typical quality specifications for disulfiram API and finished tablets control assay and impurities to pharmacopeial or regulatory levels; a representative specification might state assay within 97.0 to 103.0 percent of label claim, individual unspecified impurities not greater than 0.10 percent w/w, and total impurities not greater than 0.50 percent w/w. Specified related compounds such as diethylthiocarbamate related species and low molecular weight sulfur-containing degradants are often limited individually to the range 0.05 to 0.20 percent depending on identification and toxicological qualification. Residual solvents are controlled to ICH Q3C class limits and elemental impurities are controlled to ICH Q3D limits. Identification and quantification are commonly performed by validated HPLC and GC-MS methods, with stability indicating methods used to monitor degradation profiles.
Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme that converts acetaldehyde to acetic acid during ethanol metabolism. When alcohol is consumed, inhibition causes acetaldehyde to accumulate, producing unpleasant physiological effects that discourage further drinking. Metabolites such as diethylthiocarbamate contribute to the sustained inhibitory effect on the enzyme.
Disulfiram can cause hepatotoxicity in some patients, ranging from mild elevations in liver enzymes to rare cases of severe liver injury. Baseline and periodic liver function monitoring is recommended while taking disulfiram, and therapy should be stopped and a clinician consulted if signs of liver dysfunction occur such as jaundice, abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or dark urine.
Drinking alcohol while taking disulfiram produces an acute reaction due to acetaldehyde accumulation: flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hypotension, and in some cases respiratory distress or collapse. Reactions can begin within minutes and may persist for several hours. Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions and avoid alcohol in all forms, including medications, foods and topical products that may contain ethanol.
No single tablet is universally best for alcohol dependence; treatment choice depends on patient history, comorbidities and treatment goals. Disulfiram may be chosen to provide a deterrent effect, while other approved options such as naltrexone or acamprosate may be preferred to reduce craving or support abstinence. A clinician or addiction specialist can determine the most appropriate medication and formulation for an individual patient.
