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Flashcards in Alcohol metabolism Deck (1)
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1
Q

A 55 year old male with alcohol dependence is offered treatment with disulfiram to help him stop drinking. Which is the mechanism of disulfiram?

A

Inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase which converts:
acetaldehyde + NAD+ –> acetate + NADH
This causes build-up of acetaldehyde, the chemical responsible for the feeling of ‘hang-overs’