What class of drug is Disulfiram?

Disulfiram is classified as an alcohol aversion therapy medication. It is used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence. The way it works is quite distinctive; when a person consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram, it inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This inhibition leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, which results in uncomfortable and unpleasant reactions, such as flushing, nausea, and palpitations. These adverse effects serve to discourage individuals from consuming alcohol, thereby assisting in the treatment of alcoholism.

This mechanism makes it very effective in scenarios where behavioral modification is needed to support sobriety. Its role is therefore not related to other categories such as opioid antagonists, nicotine replacements, or stimulants, which have entirely different pharmacological effects and therapeutic purposes. This unique function of disulfiram in promoting aversion to alcohol is fundamental to its classification as a treatment specific for alcohol use disorders.