TO STUDY THE USE OF DISULFIRAM IN ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME (ICD 10/DSM IV CRITERIA) AT SECONDARY CARE SETTING

Shallu Dhiman,Anita Thakur,Jyoti Sharma

doi:10.32553/ijmbs.v4i2.947

Abstract

Background: Disulfiram blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). If alcohol is present, acetaldehyde accumulates usually resulting in an unpleasant reaction, the disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER), consisting primarily of tachycardia, flushing, nausea, and vomiting. Methods: A consecutive sampling method was used (meeting inclusion criteria and willing to participate in study) twelve -month follow-up study was conducted in which 75 patients visiting Outpatient department in secondary care setting with diagnosis Alcohol dependence Syndrome (ICD 10/DSM IV criteria) received 250 mg disulfiram after consent from both patient and caregiver. Results: Out of 75 patients 13(17.4%) patients completed one year of supervised disulfiram treatment and remained abstinent. Out of 62 remained abstinent, 22(29.4%) of remained abstinent and on regular treatment for 6 months. 19 (25.4%) patients relapsed after 3 months of treatment. 17 (22.4%)patients relapsed within 2 week to 2 months of treatment. Unwanted effects due to disulfiram and no response at 500 mg in one patient led to stopping of treatment in 4(5.4%) patients. Conclusion: The study concludes with the role of disulfiram in the present day and long-term pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence along with future research needs in this area. Keywords: Disulfiram; Alcohol Dependence; Alcohol; Deterrent; Pharmacotherapy.

Highlights

Disulfiram was approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcohol dependence in 1951
Acetaldehyde accumulates usually resulting in an unpleasant reaction, the disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER), consisting primarily of tachycardia, flushing, nausea, and vomiting
A consecutive sampling method was used twelve month follow-up study was conducted in which 75 patients visiting Outpatient department in secondary care setting with diagnosis Alcohol dependence Syndrome (ICD 10/DSM IV criteria) received 250 mg disulfiram after consent from both patient and caregiver

Summary

Introduction

Disulfiram was approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcohol dependence in 1951. Acetaldehyde accumulates usually resulting in an unpleasant reaction, the disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER), consisting primarily of tachycardia, flushing, nausea, and vomiting. Methods: A consecutive sampling method was used (meeting inclusion criteria and willing to participate in study) twelve month follow-up study was conducted in which 75 patients visiting Outpatient department in secondary care setting with diagnosis Alcohol dependence Syndrome (ICD 10/DSM IV criteria) received 250 mg disulfiram after consent from both patient and caregiver.

Results

Conclusion