Calcium carbimide in alcoholism treatment. Part 1: A placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of short-term efficacy.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single cross-over study of the alcohol sensitizing drug, calcium carbimide (CC), was conducted in 128 patients with alcohol dependence. Seventy-one (55%) completed the 4-month study. Patients reported drinking and pill-taking behaviour, and submitted urines (for analysis of alcohol and the tablet marker riboflavin) on 97%, and 91% of treatment days, respectively. All of the 69 analyzable completers were abstinent on at least 85% of days, and 58% (40) were alcohol-free during the study. Medications were taken on at least 85% of days. Symptoms and adverse clinical findings were not increased in frequency during CC, compared to placebo. Seventy-eight per cent of the patients believed they had received CC throughout the study, suggesting that CC exerts a strong psychological deterrent effect. Alcohol consumption was significantly reduced to the same extent with CC and placebo, compared to pre-treatment levels.
Peachey
J E
JE
Annis
H M
HM
Bornstein
E R
ER
Sykora
K
K
Maglana
S M
SM
Shamai
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003484:Cyanamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003486:Cyanides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation
D003486:Cyanides; D003484:Cyanamide