A poisoning syndrome

Coprine and alcohol

Coprine, in the common ink cap, which blocks the enzyme that clears acetaldehyde.

Coprine and alcohol: how soon does it show?

Minutes after drinking alcohol, up to three days after the meal.

How does it run?

Flushing, a racing heart, nausea, and dread, as with the drug disulfiram; it passes in hours.

What is done for it?

Reassurance; no alcohol for several days after the fungus.

Historical and descriptive, not medical advice. In a poisoning, call a poison centre or emergency services.

Which substances in the database cause it?

Common ink cap (Coprinopsis atramentaria), plate: Coprin noir d'encre (Coprinopsis atramentaria)
FungusCommon ink capCoprinopsis atramentaria A grey mushroom that dissolves into black ink as it ages.Caution

Sources

  • Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies, 11th ed. (2019). Standard reference work