Depot preparations of disulfiram: experimental and clinical results.
Patient compliance with disulfiram is a troublesome clinical problem. Several strategies have been proposed as a solution to the problem, including subcutaneous implantation of disulfiram. However, well controlled studies of alcoholics and healthy volunteers have failed to discover a pharmacological effect of implanted disulfiram. A major reason for this failure appears to be poor absorption from an inadequate dose. Assessment of new sustained release formulation of depot disulfiram has been found to provoke a mild disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER). Only a more severe DER would be expected to deter further drinking. If problems with absorption and appropriate dosing of disulfiram can be resolved or a depot preparation of the active metabolite of disulfiram can be prepared, implants might find continued clinical use.
Johnsen
J
J
Incognito Klinikk, Oslo.
Mørland
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004221:Disulfiram