Drug Interaction Report

Disulfiram and Meperidine: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Disulfiram and Meperidine interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Meperidine

Demerol
+

Disulfiram

Antabuse Antabuse®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 45 documented Disulfiram interactions, 25 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased meperidine exposure and an increased risk of meperidine-related adverse effects

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of meperidine (a CYP2B6 substrate) with a CYP2B6 inhibitor may increase the exposure of meperidine, prolong opioid adverse reactions, and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dosage of meperidine is achieved. Consider dosage reduction of meperidine when using concomitant CYP2B6 inhibitor in meperidine-treated patients, and follow patients closely at frequent intervals for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. When discontinuing a CYP2B6 inhibitor, follow patients for signs or symptoms of opioid withdrawal and consider increasing the meperidine dosage as needed12.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP2B6-mediated metabolism of meperidine

Common questions

Can I take Disulfiram and Meperidine together?

Increased meperidine exposure and an increased risk of meperidine-related adverse effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Disulfiram and Meperidine interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Disulfiram or Meperidine need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: MEPERGAN intramuscular, intravenous injection, meperidine HCl, promethazine HCl intramuscular, intravenous injection. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp (per FDA), Eatontown, NJ, 2023.
  2. Product Information: DEMEROL(R) oral tablets, oral solution, meperidine HCl oral tablets, oral solution. Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC (per FDA), Parsippany, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
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Meperidine

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Disulfiram

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All Disulfiram interactions (45) Disulfiram drug information
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Meperidine + 1,4-butanediol Activated Charcoal Beer Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) Kava L-tryptophan Lithium Wine + 147 more
Disulfiram + Activated Charcoal Bach Flower Remedies Beer Wine Biofeedback Black Tea Caffeine Cannabinol (cbn) + 37 more

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.