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Methanol and Ethylene Glycol Poisoning and Fomepizole

Treatment of toxic alcohol poisoning with the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Methanol and Ethylene Glycol Poisoning and Fomepizole?

Methanol is metabolised to formaldehyde and formate causing optic nerve damage and metabolic acidosis; ethylene glycol is metabolised to oxalate causing nephrotoxicity and metabolic acidosis.

Symptoms develop 6-24 hours after ingestion: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, ataxia, blurred vision in methanol and oliguria, oxaluria and tachycardia in ethylene glycol.

Diagnosis includes anion-gap and osmolar-gap metabolic acidosis, calcium oxalate crystals in urine, blood methanol and ethylene glycol levels and arterial blood gas analysis.

Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Ataxia
Blurred vision
Reduced urine output
Tachycardia

Risk Factors

Alcohol use disorder
Suicidal ideation
Accidental industrial-product ingestion
Uncontrolled antifreeze access
Children
Confused or older patients
Outbreak of contaminated alcoholic drinks

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suspected methanol or antifreeze ingestion
  • Sudden vision loss
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Treatment Methods

01
Fomepizole as a specific antidote
02
Ethanol as an alternative antidote
03
Haemodialysis
04
Sodium bicarbonate
05
Folic acid in methanol
06
Pyridoxine and thiamine in ethylene glycol

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.