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VARIOUS › ALL OTHER THERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS › ALL OTHER THERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS › Nerve depressants
ethanol
V03AZ01
Forms & Strengths
- Intravenous solution: 5% ethanol in 5% dextrose in water (50 mg/mL)
Adult Dosing
- Ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning: Loading dose 800 mg/kg IV over 30-60 minutes
- Maintenance dose: 100-150 mg/kg/hour IV, adjusted to maintain blood ethanol concentration of 100-150 mg/dL
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not established; use same loading and maintenance principles as adults if clinically indicated for toxic alcohol poisoning
Indications
- Antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning
- Antidote for methanol poisoning
Mechanism of Action
- Competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)
- Has a significantly higher affinity for ADH than methanol or ethylene glycol, blocking hepatic conversion into toxic metabolites (formaldehyde, formic acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ethanol
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Epilepsy or history of seizure disorders
- Concomitant administration with CNS depressants without monitoring
Adverse Reactions
- Central nervous system depression
- Intoxication, ataxia, slurred speech
- Hypoglycemia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Injection site reactions, phlebitis
Drug Interactions
- Disulfiram: causes severe disulfiram-ethanol reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension)
- CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates): profound sedation and respiratory depression
- Acetaminophen: increased risk of hepatotoxicity with chronic use
- Metronidazole: disulfiram-like reaction
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use