What type of reaction does disulfiram cause when mixed with alcohol?

Disulfiram, commonly known under the brand name Antabuse, functions by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. When an individual consumes alcohol while on disulfiram, acetaldehyde—an intermediate product of alcohol metabolism—accumulates in the body due to the blocked enzyme. This leads to a range of unpleasant and potentially toxic physical reactions, such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and even more severe symptoms.

This aversive reaction serves as a deterrent, thereby reinforcing sobriety and discouraging alcohol consumption. The mechanism behind disulfiram's effectiveness is its ability to create this negative physical response when alcohol is ingested, making it a useful tool in treating alcohol use disorder.