disulfiram

noun

di·​sul·​fi·​ram dī-ˈsəl-fə-ˌram 

: a compound C₁₀H₂₀N₂S₄ that causes a severe physiological reaction to alcohol and is used especially in the treatment of alcoholism

Examples of disulfiram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows that the most effective ways to help someone end their addiction to alcohol often includes a combination of approaches like behavioral therapies, medications such as naltrexone or disulfiram, and a support system like 12-step programs. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

Opioid use disorder is treated with medications like buprenorphine or methadone, while alcohol use disorder medications include naltrexone, acamprosate or disulfiram. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026

One treatment included a dose of Antabuse (disulfiram), a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder that is sometimes prescribed in small doses to treat Lyme disease. — Suzy Katz, Health, 16 May 2025

The reaction between these antibiotics and alcohol is similar to the interaction between alcohol and Antabuse (disulfiram), a medication taken to treat alcohol use disorder. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

The same principle underlies the use of the medication disulfiram as a treatment for alcohol abuse. — Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2019

In the 1940s, doctors explored whether disulfiram was useful as a treatment for alcohol abuse. — Richard Klasco, New York Times, 15 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

disulfide + thiourea + amyl

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

disulfiram

noun

di·​sul·​fi·​ram

variants or chiefly British disulphiram

dī-ˈsəl-fə-ˌram 

: a compound C₁₀H₂₀N₂S₄ that causes a severe physiological reaction to alcohol and is used especially in the treatment of alcoholism

called also tetraethylthiuram disulfide

see antabuse