What is the typical daily dose range for disulfiram?

• A. 250-500 mg
• B. 50-200 mg
• C. 1-2 g
• D. 5-10 mg

Answer: (A)

Disulfiram works by blocking aldehyde dehydrogenase, so sustaining enough drug to inhibit that enzyme throughout the day is key to producing the aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed. The usual maintenance dose is 250 mg once daily, with some regimens using 500 mg daily initially to achieve a faster onset of inhibition. Doses lower than about 250 mg often don’t reliably inhibit the enzyme, while much higher doses (around 1 g or more) increase the risk of adverse effects without added benefit. Therefore, the typical daily range clinicians aim for is 250–500 mg. Remember to monitor liver function and coach patients about avoiding all alcohol-containing products.