Could Disulfiram be a New Treatment for Crack Cocaine Dependence? A Pilot Study

Baldaçara, Leonardo; Diniz, Thaynne Almeida; Parreira, Bruna Leal; Milhomem, Jaqueline Jerônimo; Almeida, Lincoln Jose Cueto de; Fernandes, Camila Campitelli

doi:10.1016/j.rbp.2012.10.006

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…In total, 1580 records were identified, and 831 records were screened; of those, 305 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After exclusions, 157 studies (18.9%) with 402 treatment groups and 15 842 participants were included in the meta-analysis . The PRISMA diagram shows detailed information on the number of ineligible studies and the reasons for exclusion (Figure).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Comparison of Treatments for Cocaine Use Disorder Among Adults

et al. 2021

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Comparison of Treatments for Cocaine Use Disorder Among Adults

et al. 2021

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“…Baldacara et al assessed the effectiveness of disulfiram as an add-on therapy to motivational interviewing and group therapy for patients with crack cocaine dependence [ 74 ]. The double-blind pilot study compared treatment with 250 mg of disulfiram daily vs. placebo for 60 days [ 74 ]. At the end of the study, 87% of subjects in the disulfiram group were drug-free compared to 47% in the control group ( p = 0.020).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At the end of the study, 87% of subjects in the disulfiram group were drug-free compared to 47% in the control group ( p = 0.020). Disulfiram reduced the crack cocaine use dose and frequency by more than 50% [ 74 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disulfiram: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges

et al. 2023

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Background: Since disulfiram’s discovery in the 1940s and its FDA approval for alcohol use disorder, other indications have been investigated. This review describes potential clinical applications, associated risks, and challenges. Methods: For this narrative review, a PubMed search was conducted for articles addressing in vivo studies of disulfiram with an emphasis on drug repurposing for the treatment of human diseases. The key search terms were “disulfiram” and “Antabuse”. Animal studies and in vitro studies highlighting important mechanisms and safety issues were also included. Results: In total, 196 sources addressing our research focus spanning 1948–2022 were selected for inclusion. In addition to alcohol use disorder, emerging data support a potential role for disulfiram in the treatment of other addictions (e.g., cocaine), infections (e.g., bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Borrelia burgdorferi, viruses, parasites), inflammatory conditions, neurological diseases, and cancers. The side effects range from minor to life-threatening, with lower doses conveying less risk. Caution in human use is needed due to the considerable inter-subject variability in disulfiram pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: While disulfiram has promise as a “repurposed” agent in human disease, its risk profile is of concern. Animal studies and well-controlled clinical trials are needed to assess its safety and efficacy for non-alcohol-related indications.

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