Lack of toxicity from concomitant directly observed disulfiram and isoniazid-containing therapy for active tuberculosis.
We retrospectively evaluated the use of disulfiram among alcoholic patients being treated for active tuberculosis. There were 13 alcoholics treated with disulfiram, 105 alcoholics not on disulfiram, and 249 non-alcoholics. Rates of toxicity were higher among alcoholics than among non-alcoholics (58% vs. 32%), but there was no difference between alcoholics taking and those not taking disulfiram (61% vs. 57%). There were no neurological side effects in the disulfiram group. Disulfiram appeared to be safe when added to intermittent, directly observed isoniazid-containing tuberculosis treatment, and was useful in managing complications of alcohol abuse. However, the small number of patients on disulfiram limits the strength of this negative finding.
Burman
W J
WJ
Denver Public Health Department, Colorado 80204, USA. bburman@dhha.org
Terra
M
M
Breese
P
P
Cohn
D
D
Reves
R
R
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D004221:Disulfiram; D007538:Isoniazid