Disulfiram Distribution and Elimination in the Rat After Oral and Intraperitoneal Administration

Abstract

³⁵S disulfiram (DSF), 7 mg/kg, was administered as a single dose to rats both orally (p.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.). The ³⁵S DSF was rapidly absorbed by either route. Kidney, pancreas, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract exhibited the greatest uptake of radioactivity, while the least was found in brain. Preferential tissue uptake was similar with both routes of administration. Seven percent of the dose was excreted in the feces. Approximately 12% of the dose was eliminated by the breath as CS₂. The ³⁵S-DSF was rapidly metabolized to the ³⁵S-diethyldi-thiocarbamate-glucuronide and ^3BS inorganic sulfate. Approximately 93% of the radioactivity was accounted for 48 hr after p.o. or i.p. ³⁵S administration.