Drug interactions
Disulfiram + Green tea
Severity: Minor
Disulfiram and Green tea: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Disulfiram can slow caffeine clearance, so caffeine from green tea may accumulate and produce jitteriness, insomnia and palpitations. The effect is mainly relevant with large intakes or concentrated extracts.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disulfiram and Green tea have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Disulfiram inhibits hepatic metabolism of caffeine, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Advise limiting green tea and other caffeine sources during disulfiram therapy. Reduce intake if tremor, insomnia or palpitations occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Green tea
- Adenosine + Green tea Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Bortezomib + Green tea Moderate
- Dextroamphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Diethylpropion + Green tea Moderate
- Ephedrine + Green tea Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Disulfiram with Green tea?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Disulfiram and Green tea have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Disulfiram can slow caffeine clearance, so caffeine from green tea may accumulate and produce jitteriness, insomnia and palpitations. The effect is mainly relevant with large intakes or concentrated extracts.
How serious is the interaction between Disulfiram and Green tea?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise limiting green tea and other caffeine sources during disulfiram therapy. Reduce intake if tremor, insomnia or palpitations occur.
What other medicines interact with Green tea?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Green tea with, for example, Adenosine, Benzphetamine, Bortezomib. The full list is on the Green tea page.
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