An antioxidant that interferes with the normal metabolic degradation of alcohol in the body, resulting in increased acetaldehyde concentrations in blood and tissues. Used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism; when a small quantity of alcohol is consumed an unpleasant reaction results. Also used as a chelator in copper and nickel poisoning. SYN: tetraethylthiuram disulfide.
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di·sul·fi·ram or chiefly Brit di·sul·phi·ram dī-'səl-fə-.ram n a compound C10H20N2S4 that causes a severe physiological reaction to alcohol and is used esp. in the treatment of alcoholism called also tetraethylthiuram disulfide see ANTABUSE
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n.
a drug used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It acts as a deterrent by producing unpleasant effects when taken with alcohol, including flushing, breathing difficulties, headache, palpitations, nausea, and vomiting. It is administered by mouth; common side-effects are fatigue, nausea, and constipation. Trade name: Antabuse.
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di·sul·fi·ram (di-sulґfĭ-ram) [USP] an antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation of the acetaldehyde metabolized from alcohol, resulting in high concentrations of acetaldehyde in the body. Extremely uncomfortable symptoms occur when alcohol is ingested subsequent to the oral administration of disulfiram (see mal rouge); used to produce an aversion to alcohol in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. Called also tetraethylthiuram disulfide.Medical dictionary. 2011.