Overview
Disulfiram, also known by its brand name Antabuse, is a medication primarily used to treat chronic alcoholism by creating an adverse reaction to alcohol consumption. It was first introduced in the 1940s and remains a critical tool in addiction treatment programs. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite of alcohol, which causes unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and flushing. Disulfiram is typically administered orally in tablet form and is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. Its effectiveness relies on the patient's commitment to abstinence, as the drug itself does not reduce cravings for alcohol but deters drinking through the threat of adverse effects.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Disulfiram is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 296.54 g/mol. It has a melting point of 70-72°C and is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform. The compound is stable under normal storage conditions but should be protected from light and moisture to prevent degradation. Chemically, disulfiram is a thiuram disulfide, a class of compounds known for their ability to inhibit enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism. Its unique mechanism of action makes it valuable in medical applications, particularly in addiction treatment. The drug's stability and solubility profile are critical factors in its formulation and storage.
Main Applications
The primary application of disulfiram is in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It is used as a deterrent therapy to help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol. When taken regularly, disulfiram causes severe discomfort if alcohol is consumed, including symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. This aversive effect helps reinforce sobriety. Beyond its use in alcoholism treatment, disulfiram has been investigated for potential applications in cancer therapy due to its ability to inhibit certain enzymes involved in tumor growth. However, these uses are still experimental and not yet widely adopted in clinical practice.
Safety and Storage
Disulfiram must be used with caution due to its potential to cause severe reactions when combined with alcohol. Patients must be fully informed of the risks and committed to avoiding alcohol in any form, including hidden sources like mouthwash or cooking wine. Contraindications include severe heart disease, psychosis, and pregnancy. Proper storage of disulfiram is essential to maintain its efficacy. The drug should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Bulk procurement for B2B buyers should ensure compliance with pharmaceutical storage standards to prevent degradation and ensure product quality.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring disulfiram in bulk, B2B buyers should prioritize suppliers who adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and provide certificates of analysis (CoA) to verify purity and composition. The reference price range is approximately $50-$100 per kilogram, depending on purity and supplier. Buyers should also consider the drug's stability and storage requirements when planning logistics. It is advisable to work with suppliers who offer proper packaging and handling to prevent exposure to moisture and light, which can degrade the product. Additionally, verify the CAS number (97-77-8) to ensure the correct compound is being sourced.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：纤维素、磷酸酯、氯硅烷、硫酸盐、二苯胺、二苯基、二甲醇、苯二胺、聚磷酸、甘油酯、氟甲苯、异氰酸、化合物、催化剂、共聚物、水杨酸、苯甲醛、浮石粉、烯丙基、甲磺酸、乙氧基、磺酸钠、分析纯、表面活性剂、染料原料
- 主营：水解角蛋白、7-去氢胆固醇、石胆酸钠盐、6-二羟基吲哚、二羟基吲哚啉氢溴酸、2-辛基十二醇、2-巯基噻唑啉、2-巯基苯并咪唑、4-羟乙烯基氧基二苯、熊去氧胆酸钠盐、苯基周位酸(8-苯胺、L-丙交酯、半叶素、乙烯利、环丙磺酰胺、苄氧基胺盐酸盐、1-氨基环丙烷羧酸、4-联苯甲醇丙烯酸酯、咪鲜胺、可比落、乙交酯、D(+)-丙交酯