disulfiraamin
Disulfiram, also known by its brand name Antabuse, is a medication primarily used in the management of alcohol dependence. It functions as an aversive therapy, meaning it creates an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed while the drug is active in the body. Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When alcohol is ingested while taking disulfiram, acetaldehyde accumulates, leading to symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid heartbeat.
The drug is typically prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan for alcoholism, often alongside counseling,
Common side effects of disulfiram may include metallic taste, drowsiness, headache, and skin rashes. More serious
Disulfiram was first synthesized in 1927 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1951.