Disulfiram Disease Interactions

The administration of disulfiram is contraindicated in patients in a state of alcohol intoxication. The disulfiram- alcohol reaction may produce symptoms including 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.

The use of disulfiram is contraindicated in patients with cardiac disease. The potential for a disulfiram- alcohol reaction, symptoms of which can include cardiovascular effects such as palpitation, tachycardia, chest pain, hypotension, syncope and, in severe cases, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and acute congestive heart failure, may present a particular danger to these patients.

The disulfiram- alcohol reaction may produce symptoms including 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. Because of the possibility of an accidental disulfiram- alcohol reaction, disulfiram should be used with extreme caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, seizure disorders, cerebral damage, chronic and acute nephritis, hepatic cirrhosis or insufficiency.

The use of disulfiram is contraindicated in patients with psychosis. Disulfiram may precipitate psychotic reactions and mood disorders, particularly when given in high dosages or with metronidazole or isoniazid. In some cases, however, the sudden withdrawal of alcohol alone can unmask underlying psychotic disorders.

Hepatic toxicity, hepatitis, and hepatic failure resulting in transplantation or death have been reported with the use of disulfiram. Hepatic toxicity has occurred in patient with and without prior history of abnormal liver function. Extreme caution and close monitoring is advised if used in patients with liver impairment. Baseline and liver tests are suggested in all patients to detect any hepatic abnormalities. Patients should be advised to immediately notify their health provider if any symptoms of hepatitis occur (weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or dark urine).