Effects of disulfiram: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Effects of disulfiram
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Effects of disulfiram: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Effects of disulfiram: A Synthesis of Findings from 13 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main research findings

Disulfiram, an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of patients with severe chronic alcoholism. 5 Recent studies have shown that disulfiram may influence brain metabolism and neurotransmitters, as well as other effects on the body. 2 For example, disulfiram was found to decrease glucose metabolism and benzodiazepine receptor binding in the brains of alcoholic patients. 5 Disulfiram also has the potential to reduce cocaine use, 2 although lower doses may increase cocaine use. 1 10 The drug also may have anticancer effects 12 and may protect against cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity, 9 but can interfere with anticancer effects of other drugs such as cannabidiol. 10 It may also affect bone marrow cells 9 and interact with lead, increasing the toxicity of lead in the nervous system. 6

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Disulfiram may be beneficial in treating alcohol dependence by helping people avoid alcohol. 5 Disulfiram may also be helpful in treating certain types of cancer. 12

Risks Summary

Disulfiram can have several potential side effects, including brain metabolic abnormalities, 5 increased cocaine use, 2 increased risk of heart problems, 1 and interference with the anticancer effects of other medications. 10 It can also affect bone marrow cells. 9 Disulfiram may increase lead toxicity in the nervous system. 6

Comparison between studies

Commonalities between studies

The studies indicate that disulfiram can impact brain metabolism, neurotransmitters, drug metabolism, lead distribution in the body, and catecholamine levels. Many studies suggest that disulfiram can lead to acetaldehyde accumulation by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Differences between studies

The studies show that the effects of disulfiram can vary based on factors like dosage, administration method, the disease being treated, and interactions with other drugs. For instance, 2 found that disulfiram could have different effects on cocaine use depending on the dosage. 10 revealed that the anticancer effects of disulfiram can be inhibited by other drugs, such as cannabidiol.

Consistency and contradictions in the results

While disulfiram is considered a useful medication for alcohol dependence, these studies highlight the potential effects of disulfiram on the brain, cardiovascular system, drug metabolism, bone marrow cells, and other areas. Therefore, considering these risks and benefits before using disulfiram is important.

Points to note about applying the results to real life

Although disulfiram is believed to be effective in treating alcohol dependence, these studies indicate that disulfiram can interact with other medications and cause side effects. Therefore, following a doctor's instructions is crucial when using disulfiram. It is absolutely essential to avoid alcohol while taking disulfiram. 5

Limitations of current research

These studies provide valuable insights into the effects of disulfiram, but further research is necessary. For example, long-term effects of disulfiram and variations in its effects among different individuals should be investigated.

Future research directions

Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of disulfiram, how its effects differ between individuals, its interactions with other drugs, and its potential as an anticancer agent. 10 Additionally, exploring ways to minimize the side effects of disulfiram is necessary.

Conclusion

Disulfiram is believed to be an effective treatment for alcohol dependence, but these studies show that it can have effects on the brain, cardiovascular system, drug metabolism, bone marrow cells, and other areas. It is important to consider these risks and benefits before using disulfiram. Follow your doctor's instructions and use disulfiram safely.

Literature analysis of 13 papers
Positive Content
4
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
8
Article Type
2
0
0
0
13
1.

Disulfiram effects on acute cocaine administration.

Author: McCance-KatzE F, KostenT R, JatlowP

Cardiovascular side effects
Increased cocaine concentration

Disulfiram treatment increased plasma cocaine concentrations three to six times and significantly increased cocaine-associated cardiovascular responses, but did not significantly alter behavioral responses to cocaine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

2.

The impact of disulfiram treatment on the reinforcing effects of cocaine: a randomized clinical trial.

Author: HaileColin N, De La GarzaRichard, MahoneyJames J, NielsenDavid A, KostenThomas R, NewtonThomas F

Cocaine use reduction
Disulfiram effects
Increased cocaine use (low doses)

Disulfiram, a medication used to treat alcohol dependence, has been shown to reduce cocaine use in some clinical trials. However, one study found that lower doses of disulfiram actually increased cocaine use. This study aimed to investigate how disulfiram affects the reinforcing effects of cocaine in cocaine users.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

3.

Comparative effects of two dithiocarbamates disulfiram and thiram, on adrenal catecholamine content and on plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity.

Author: CaroldiS, De ParisP

Dopamine increase

Disulfiram and thiram significantly increased dopamine levels in rat adrenal glands. Thiram reduced the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline, resulting in dopamine accumulation. Plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity could be a marker to monitor the effect of thiram on catecholamine metabolism.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Effects of disulfiram on positron emission tomography and neuropsychological studies in severe chronic alcoholism.

Author: GilmanS, AdamsK M, Johnson-GreeneD, KoeppeR A, JunckL, KluinK J, MartorelloS, HeumannM, HillE

Alcoholism treatment
Decreased benzodiazepine receptor binding
Decreased glucose metabolism

Disulfiram may influence the results of positron emission tomography (PET) studies of glucose metabolism and benzodiazepine receptor binding in patients with severe chronic alcoholism.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

6.

Effects of perinatal treatment with lead and disulfiram on ALAD activity in blood, liver and kidney and urinary ALA excretion in rats.

Author: OskarssonA

Potentiates lead toxicity

Disulfiram, when combined with lead exposure in rats, exacerbated the effects of lead on delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in the bone marrow, likely due to its impact on haem synthesis.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Pharmaceutical agents known to produce disulfiram-like reaction: effects on hepatic ethanol metabolism and brain monoamines.

Author: KaramanakosPetros N, PappasPeriklis, BoumbaVassiliki A, ThomasChristoforos, MalamasMichalis, VougiouklakisTheodore, MarselosMarios

Ethanol intolerance

Certain medications can cause ethanol intolerance, often described as a disulfiram-like reaction. The study explored the mechanism of this reaction and found that metronidazole and quinacrine do not produce a typical disulfiram-like reaction.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Cannabidiol-induced activation of the metallothionein pathway impedes anticancer effects of disulfiram and its metabolite CuET.

Author: BuchtovaTereza, SkrottZdenek, ChromaKatarina, RehulkaJiri, DzubakPetr, HajduchMarian, LukacDavid, ArampatzisStefanos, BartekJiri, MistrikMartin

DSF cancer treatment
Cannabidiol DSF resistance

This study investigated the potential of disulfiram (DSF), an alcohol-aversion drug, for repurposing in cancer treatment. The study found that cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, may interfere with the antitumor activity of DSF by triggering the expression of metallothioneins.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Effects of disulfiram, cyanamide and 1-aminocyclopropanol on the aldehyde dehydrogenase activity in human erythrocytes and leukocytes.

Author: HelanderA, TottmarO

ALDH inhibition

Disulfiram potently inhibited ALDH activity in erythrocytes, while cyanamide and 1-aminocyclopropanol effectively inhibited activity in leukocytes. These findings suggest distinct mechanisms of action for these ALDH inhibitors.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

Anxiogenic and stress-inducing effects of peripherally administered acetaldehyde in mice: similarities with the disulfiram-ethanol reaction.

Author: EscrigMiguel A, PardoMarta, AragonCarlos M, CorreaMercè

Anxiogenic effects

Peripheral accumulation of acetaldehyde can induce anxiety and is aversive, contributing to the adverse effects of disulfiram, an ALDH inhibitor used for treating alcoholics.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.