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National differences in disulfiram prescribing

University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh EH10 5HF;

Colin Brewer, Medical Director

The Stapleford Centre, London SW1 9PN

^* Correspondence

Aims and method To test the impression of wide national differences in the use of deterrent medication in the treatment of alcohol dependence, data showing comparative sales of disulfiram in 13 countries were obtained.

Results Sales in Britain were lowest, and less than a tenth of those in Denmark. Rates bore no relation to alcohol sales or an index of alcohol-related problems in the 13 countries.

Clinical implications British doctors may apply a particularly cautious risk/benefit ratio for disulfiram. The disparity may also reflect the predominantly nonmedical approach to treating alcohol dependence in Britain.