How long after the last drink can disulfiram be started?

How long after the last drink can disulfiram be started?

• A. 12 hours
• B. 4 hours
• C. 24 hours
• D. 72 hours

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that disulfiram must be started only after the body has cleared alcohol to avoid a disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is still circulating when the medication is begun, acetaldehyde builds up and triggers a nasty reaction—flushing, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and possible drops in blood pressure. Waiting about 12 hours after the last drink gives time for alcohol to be metabolized, reducing the risk of that reaction when therapy starts. While individual metabolism varies, a 12-hour abstinence window is the commonly tested standard.

The main idea is that disulfiram must be started only after the body has cleared alcohol to avoid a disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is still circulating when the medication is begun, acetaldehyde builds up and triggers a nasty reaction—flushing, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and possible drops in blood pressure. Waiting about 12 hours after the last drink gives time for alcohol to be metabolized, reducing the risk of that reaction when therapy starts. While individual metabolism varies, a 12-hour abstinence window is the commonly tested standard.