TOXIC MANIFESTATIONS IN THE ANTABUSE-ALCOHOL REACTION

Abstract

The tetraethylthiuramdisulfide * (Antabuse)-alcohol reaction is an essential element in the indoctrination of the patient in the use of tetraethylthiuramdisulfide (TETD) as an adjunct in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. Recently this drug was released to the medical profession, although much investigative work on its effects is still in process and the full hazards of its use have not been completely established. The tetraethylthiuramdisulfide-alcohol reaction represents a controlled physiological response, in which there are measurable alterations in the cardiovascular system affecting pulse rate, cardiac output, cardiac stroke volume, the electrocardiogram, and peripheral circulation. Many of these changes have not been investigated, while others have been described in detail. The present study was undertaken after an extensive clinical experience with the reaction in 519 patients treated in the inpatient service of the Division of Alcohol Studies and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Virginia, at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital. The