Which of the following drugs makes people violently ill if they drink alcohol?
A Buprenorphrine
B Antabuse
C Vivatrol
D Campral
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Antabuse
Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram, a drug used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol. If a person takes Antabuse and then consumes alcohol, the drug causes a very unpleasant reaction. This reaction includes nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headache, sweating, shortness of breath, blurred vision, and low blood pressure. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe enough to require medical attention.
Disulfiram works by interfering with the normal breakdown of alcohol in the body. Normally, alcohol is metabolized in the liver where it is converted to acetaldehyde and then quickly broken down into acetic acid. Antabuse blocks the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which prevents the further breakdown of acetaldehyde. As a result, acetaldehyde accumulates in the blood. This substance is highly toxic and causes the unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed.
The primary goal of Antabuse is to discourage people from drinking alcohol. It does not reduce cravings directly but instead relies on the fear of getting sick to deter alcohol use. This drug is most effective when used as part of a broader recovery plan that includes counseling and support. Patients must be fully aware of how Antabuse works and must be committed to avoiding alcohol, including hidden sources like cough syrups, vinegar, and even some sauces and hygiene products.
Other drugs used to treat alcohol dependence, such as Campral (acamprosate), Vivitrol (naltrexone), and Buprenorphine (used more commonly for opioid addiction), do not produce the same severe reaction when alcohol is consumed. Only Antabuse is specifically designed to cause illness upon alcohol intake, making it unique among these options.