disulfiram

drug

Also known as: Antabuse, tetraethylthiuram disulfide

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June 25, 2026

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Disulfiram is a compound used in the treatment of alcoholism. It works by blocking the metabolism of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol consumption. When a person taking disulfiram drinks alcohol, they experience severe symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and a drop in blood pressure. This unpleasant reaction acts as a deterrent, often referred to as a "chemical fence," to prevent the individual from drinking. While disulfiram can be effective in reducing relapse over shorter periods, studies have not shown it to be more effective than a placebo in preventing long-term relapse.12

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organosulfur compound
Thiocarbonyl compounds
The related compound disulfiram (Antabuse; R = CH₂CH₃) is used in treating alcoholism. A thioamide, ethionamide, is an important drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and other thioamides are used as peptide analogs and in peptide synthesis.
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The related compound disulfiram (Antabuse; R = CH₂CH₃) is used in treating alcoholism. A thioamide, ethionamide, is an important drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and other thioamides are used as peptide analogs and in peptide synthesis.
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alcoholism
Physiological therapies
…Erik Jacobsen of Denmark, uses disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide, known by the trade name Antabuse). Normally, as alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, the latter is rapidly converted, in turn, to harmless metabolites. However, in the presence of disulfiram—itself harmless—the metabolism of acetaldehyde is blocked. The resulting accumulation of the highly toxic…
Read More
…Erik Jacobsen of Denmark, uses disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide, known by the trade name Antabuse). Normally, as alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, the latter is rapidly converted, in turn, to harmless metabolites. However, in the presence of disulfiram—itself harmless—the metabolism of acetaldehyde is blocked. The resulting accumulation of the highly toxic…
Read More