Inhibitory effect of disulfiram (Antabuse) on alcohol dehydrogenase activity

Clin Chem. 1987 Oct;33(10):1906-8.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of disulfiram (Antabuse) on the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) in vitro. We observed a time-dependent inhibition of this dehydrogenase by disulfiram and diethyldithiocarbamate similar to that obtained for aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3). These results suggest a possible explanation for various side effects observed in the clinical use of Antabuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Animals
  • Disulfiram / pharmacology*
  • Dithiothreitol / pharmacology
  • Ditiocarb / pharmacology
  • Horses
  • Kinetics
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Serum Albumin
  • Ditiocarb
  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase
  • Dithiothreitol
  • Disulfiram