Question

Which of the following drugs is used in alcohol de-addiction (aversion therapy)?

• A. Disulfiram
• B. Naloxone
• C. Flumazenil
• D. Buprenorphine

Hint:

This drug inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Alcohol de-addiction pharmacology is a high-yield NEET PG topic.

Disulfiram -- Mechanism of Aversion Therapy:
Normal ethanol metabolism: Ethanol $\rightarrow$ Acetaldehyde (by ADH) $\rightarrow$ Acetate (by ALDH)
Disulfiram irreversibly inhibits $\text{ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase)}$, causing accumulation of acetaldehyde after alcohol intake.

Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction (DER):
Flushing, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hypotension, dyspnea. In severe cases: arrhythmias, MI, death.

Other drugs causing disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol:
- $\text{Metronidazole}$ (most commonly tested)
- Tinidazole, Ornidazole
- Cefoperazone, Cefamandole (methylthiotetrazole side chain)
- Chlorpropamide (sulfonylurea)
- Griseofulvin

Other drugs for alcohol dependence:
- $\text{Naltrexone}$: Opioid receptor antagonist; reduces craving and euphoria (anti-craving)
- $\text{Acamprosate}$: Modulates GABA and NMDA receptors; reduces withdrawal discomfort
- $\text{Benzodiazepines}$: Treat acute alcohol withdrawal (prevents seizures and delirium tremens)

\[\boxed{\text{Disulfiram}}\]