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Disulfiram: Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action

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Abstract

This chapter presents a basic overview of the clinical pharmacology and mechanism of action of disulfiram. The mechanism of action of disulfiram and its implications for the management of alcohol dependence are discussed. The metabolism of disulfiram and its active metabolites are discussed along with the active metabolites that remain and potentiate its actions. The absorption and distribution in various body tissues is outlaid along with its excretion. The variants in aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver and how they affect disulfiram and its action are elucidated. The methods to assess compliance of disulfiram in blood, breath and urine are discussed along with recent advances made in that arena. Certain medications may have drug interactions with disulfiram. These are explained along with various medications that induce disulfiram–ethanol like reactions. The chapter focuses more on human studies rather than just animal experiments.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Muncipal Medical College, Mumbai, India

    Avinash De Sousa

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De Sousa, A. (2019). Disulfiram: Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. In: Disulfiram. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9876-7_2

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