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What is disulfiram 500mg used for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Disulfiram 500 mg is a specialized alcohol-deterrent agent. As a pharmacist, I characterize Disulfiram not as a “cure” for alcoholism, but as a potent pharmacological “deterrent” that creates an immediate, highly unpleasant physical sensitivity to alcohol, supporting behavioral modification.

Primary Clinical Use

  • Chronic Alcoholism Management: It is indicated as an aid in the management of selected patients who want to remain in a state of enforced sobriety. The 500 mg dose is typically the initial loading dose (taken for 1–2 weeks) before the patient is titrated down to a maintenance dose of 250 mg.

Mechanism of Action: The “Acetaldehyde Trap”

Disulfiram interferes with the normal metabolic pathway of alcohol. Usually, alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, which is then quickly broken down into harmless acetic acid by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).

Enzyme Inhibition: Disulfiram irreversibly inhibits the ALDH enzyme.

Acetaldehyde Buildup: If the patient consumes even a small amount of alcohol while on Disulfiram, acetaldehyde levels in the blood rise to 5–10 times higher than normal.

The Disulfiram-Alcohol Reaction: This buildup triggers an immediate and severe physical reaction, including:

    • Flushing and intense throbbing headache.

    • Nausea and copious vomiting.

    • Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and hypotension.

    • Dyspnea (shortness of breath).

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export

From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Disulfiram 500 mg is a high-precision product with specific requirements:

  • API Stability: As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we ensure the Disulfiram API meets strict BP/USP/IP monographs. The molecule is relatively stable, but we monitor for potential degradation into diethylamine and carbon disulfide.

  • Formulation Types: While standard tablets are common, we also manufacture dispersible tablets to ensure ease of administration in clinical settings where supervised dosing is required.

  • Packaging for Export: Because Disulfiram is sensitive to moisture, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life for export to Zone IVb climates (Africa, SE Asia, and Latin America).

  • B2B & Institutional Supply: This is a core product for rehabilitation centers and government health departments. Our Mumbai facility provides the CTD/eCTD Dossiers and stability data required for international registration.

Disulfiram Tablets