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Disulfiram and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with disulfiram.

Minor

Caffeine Disulfiram

Minor Drug Interaction

Disulfiram may increase the cardiovascular and CNS-stimulant effects of caffeine. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of caffeine metabolism in liver microsomes. Patients should be advised to limit their caffeine intake while they are taking disulfiram, particularly if they are experiencing excessive irritability, nervousness or insomnia.

References (1)
  1. Beach CA, Mays DC, Guiler RC, et al. (1986) "Inhibition of elimination of caffeine by disulfiram in normal subjects and recovering alcoholics." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 39, p. 265-70
Major

Disulfiram Alcohol (Ethanol)

Major Drug Interaction

CONTRAINDICATED: Consumption of ethanol during treatment with disulfiram may cause flushing, nausea, blurred vision, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. Death has been reported. The mechanism is probably related to inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the oxidation of acetaldehyde to acetyl CoA. Accumulation of acetaldehyde probably results.

MANAGEMENT: Ethanol should be avoided in patients receiving disulfiram.

References (3)
  1. Jones RO (1949) "Death following the ingestion of alcohol in an antabuse treated patient." Can Med Assoc J, 60, p. 609-12
  2. Stoll D, King LE (1980) "Disulfiram-alcohol skin reaction to beer-containing shampoo." JAMA, 244, p. 2045
  3. van Ieperen L (1984) "Sudden death during disulfiram-ethanol reaction." S Afr Med J, 66, p. 165

Switch to consumer interaction data

Disulfiram drug interactions

There are 207 drug interactions with disulfiram.

Disulfiram disease interactions

There are 5 disease interactions with disulfiram which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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