USE OF CITRATED CALCIUM CARBIMIDE (TEMPOSIL) IN TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM

Abstract

A single dose of 50 mg. of citrated calcium carbimide will sensitize an individual to alcohol. After treatment with calcium carbimide, conjunctival injection, flushing of the face, headache, and dyspnea were routinely seen 5 to 10 minutes after sufficient alcohol was taken to initiate a reaction. The alcohol reaction reached a maximum in about 30 minutes and usually lasted from 60 to 90 minutes, after which the patient felt lethargic and drowsy. The most striking and reassuring observation was the infrequency with which "acetaldehyde shock" developed. In only 6 of 73 male patients were the objective findings such as to cause concern; 4 of these patients became cyanotic, one developed a generalized tremor with "chilling" and marked apprehension, and the 6th patient was a known asthmatic who became very dyspneic at the height of the reaction.