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Disulfiram effects on acute cocaine administration
E F McCance-Katz1, T R Kosten, P Jatlow
1Yale Psychiatric Institute, New Haven, CT, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Disulfiram increases cocaine levels and cardiovascular effects in patients with cocaine dependence. This medication interaction necessitates careful consideration for treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) is investigated for treating cocaine dependence.
- Understanding drug interactions is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess disulfiram's effect on acute cocaine response.
- To evaluate disulfiram's impact on cocaine pharmacokinetics, physiology, and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Inpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design.
- Administration of disulfiram (0, 250, 500 mg/day) and cocaine (0, 1, 2 mg/kg).
- Measurement of pharmacokinetic, physiological, and behavioral outcomes.
Main Results:
- Disulfiram elevated plasma cocaine concentrations 3-6 fold.
- Significant increases in cocaine-associated cardiovascular responses were observed.
- No significant alterations in behavioral responses to cocaine were detected.
Conclusions:
- Disulfiram significantly alters cocaine pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular effects.
- Clinicians must consider these interactions when prescribing disulfiram for cocaine dependence.
- Further research may explore risk mitigation strategies.