What reaction is associated with Disulfiram when alcohol is consumed?

Disulfiram, commonly known as Antabuse, works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is crucial for the metabolism of acetaldehyde. When an individual consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram, the normally harmless acetaldehyde that is produced during alcohol metabolism accumulates in the body. This buildup of acetaldehyde leads to a variety of unpleasant reactions, collectively known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction.

The severity of this reaction can include symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and palpitations. The experience is uncomfortable and can serve as a significant deterrent to consuming alcohol, reinforcing the medication's purpose in helping individuals reduce their alcohol intake.

Other options do not align with the mechanism of disulfiram. Withdrawal symptoms relate to the effects of stopping alcohol consumption rather than the ingestion of disulfiram. Increased cravings are more associated with situations of alcohol dependency rather than a direct physiological response to disulfiram itself. Heart palpitations can occur as a symptom of the disulfiram-alcohol reaction, but they are not the direct effect associated with the metabolic changes caused by disulfiram. Thus, the correct choice highlights the critical role of acetaldehyde buildup in the disulf