Interactions between sertraline and Antabuse (disulfiram)
sertraline and disulfiram (Major Drug-Drug)
CONTRAINDICATED: Sertraline oral concentrate contains 12% alcohol and may cause an interaction with disulfiram. Disulfiram is an irreversible inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Following ingestion of alcohol, the inhibition of ALDH results in increased concentration of acetaldehyde, the accumulation of which produces an unpleasant physiologic response referred to as the 'disulfiram reaction'. Symptoms include flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitation, dyspnea, hyperventilation, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. Severe reactions may result in respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death.
MANAGEMENT: The use of sertraline oral concentrate with disulfiram is considered contraindicated. A different formulation of sertraline or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor should be prescribed in patients receiving therapy with disulfiram.
