Disulfiram is classified as what kind of drug used to deter alcohol use?

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Multiple Choice

Disulfiram is classified as what kind of drug used to deter alcohol use?

Disulfiram acts as an antidipsotropic, or aversive, medication. It blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde builds up and causes unpleasant effects like flushing, nausea, and palpitations. That immediate negative reaction is intended to deter further drinking, which is why this drug is described as antidipsotropic. It isn’t an agonist because it doesn’t activate a receptor to produce a effect, and it isn’t an antagonist because it doesn’t block receptor activity. It isn’t an anxiolytic, since its goal isn’t reducing anxiety but creating an unpleasant consequence to drinking.

Disulfiram acts as an antidipsotropic, or aversive, medication. It blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde builds up and causes unpleasant effects like flushing, nausea, and palpitations. That immediate negative reaction is intended to deter further drinking, which is why this drug is described as antidipsotropic. It isn’t an agonist because it doesn’t activate a receptor to produce a effect, and it isn’t an antagonist because it doesn’t block receptor activity. It isn’t an anxiolytic, since its goal isn’t reducing anxiety but creating an unpleasant consequence to drinking.

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