Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-27T10:07:54.291Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Disulfiram induced peripheral neuropathy: between the devil and the deep blue sea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Caragh Behan ,
Abbie Lane  and
Mary Clarke
Caragh Behan
Affiliation:
Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland
Abbie Lane
Affiliation:
St John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, Ireland
Mary Clarke
Affiliation:
St John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, Ireland
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Disulfiram is widely used for the aversive treatment of alcoholism. It is well tolerated in most patients; however 1:15,000 will develop peripheral neuropathy, which is frequently misdiagnosed as alcoholic neuropathy. Most cases present with a motor-sensory neuropathy of the lower limbs, which tends to improve when administration ceases, though some cases may be left with permanent sequelae. This adverse reaction can be avoided by using the lowest effective dose. A literature review using the Medline revealed 66 citations relating disulfiram to peripheral neuropathy, and the number of cases reported is small.

Keywords

DisulfiramAlcohol dependencePeripheral neuropathyAversive treatmentPharmacology
Type
Case reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , September 2007 , pp. 115 - 116
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Bevilacqua, JA, Diaz, M, Diaz, V, Silva, C, Fruns, M.Disulfiram neuropathy. Report of 3 cases. Rev Med Chil 2002 09; 130(9): 1037–42.Google Scholar
2.Swift, RM. Drug therapy for alcohol dependence. N Engl J Med 1999 05 13; 340(19): 1482–90.Google Scholar
3.Fuller, RKet al.JAMA 1986 09; 256 (11): 1449–55.Google Scholar
4.Chick, J.Safety issues concerning the use of disulfiram in treating alcohol dependence. Drug Safety 1999 05; 20(5): 427–35.Google Scholar
5.Deb Sharma, A.Disulfiram and the use of a low nickel diet in the management hand eczema: a clinical study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2006 03-04; 72(2): 113–8.Google Scholar
6.Van Rossum, J, Roos, RA, Bots, GT. Disulfiram polyneuropathy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 1984; 86(2): 81–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7.Frisoni, GB, Di Monda, V.Disulfiram neuropathy: a review (1971-1988) and report of a case. Alcohol Alcohol 1989; 24(5): 429–37.Google Scholar
8.Vaccari, Aet al.Differential mechanisms in the effects of Disulfiram and Diethyldithiocarbamate intoxication on striatal release and vesicular transport of glutamate. Pharmacology 1998 06; 285(3): 961–967.Google Scholar
9.Palliyath, SK, Schwartz, BD, Gant, L.Peripheral nerve functions in chronic alcoholic patients on disulfiram: a six-month follow up. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1990 03; 53(3): 227–30.Google Scholar