Drug therapy reviews: management of the disulfiram-alcohol reaction.
A review of the proposed mechanisms of the disulfiram-alcohol interaction and recommended management of the interaction is presented. The efficacy of disulfiram in the management of alcoholism, the signs and symptoms of the disulfiram-alcohol interaction, and other agents with disulfiram-like activity are discussed. Recommended treatment consists of supportive measures such as Trendelenberg posture, administration of oxygen and intravenous infusion of fluid, solute, colloid, and, if needed, a pressor agent such as norepinephrine. Iron salts, ascorbic acid, antihistamines and phenothiazines are of no established benefit.
D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans
D000931:Antidotes; D000431:Ethanol; D000079:Acetaldehyde; D004221:Disulfiram