cyanamide

Cyanamide is a small molecule drug primarily used as an alcohol-deterrent therapy for the management of chronic alcoholism. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an enzyme responsible for metabolizing acetaldehyde produced during alcohol metabolism. By inhibiting ALDH2, cyanamide causes accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and flushing that deter further drinking. Cyanamide has been approved and marketed in several countries (including Canada, Europe, and Japan) for this indication. It is also used industrially in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals[1][3][4][5].

Brand names

Temposil

Other names

carbimidecalcium carbimidecyanoamine