Alcohol Intoxication Flashcards
1
Q
What is alcohol?
A
Organic compound called ethanol
2
Q
How many carbons does ethanol contain?
A
Two
3
Q
How many carbons doe methanol contain?
A
One
4
Q
Methanol poisoning is treated with what and why?
A
Ethanol - acts as a competitive inhibitor as metabolised by the same enzyme.
5
Q
Does a full stomach increase or decreased the time allowing for alcohol metabolism?
A
A full stomach slows gastric emptying therefore increasing the time alcohol is in the stomach for and therefore increasing the time allowing for metabolism.
6
Q
On average how many units of alcohol are excreted per hour?
A
1 unit
7
Q
What causes other ethnic groups to not tolerate alcohol
A
Absence of alcohol dehydrogenase.
8
Q
What other pathways are switched on in heavy drinkers?
A
- Produce excess hydrogen ions
- Increased production of NADH causes inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis
- Oxidation is impaired which results in accumulation of lipids.
9
Q
What are some effects of alcohol?
A
- Increase levels of GABBA which inhibits neurotransmitters
- Decrease consciousness and breathing rate
- Inhibits ADH, less water is absorbed
- Negative inotrope (weaken heart contraction) so heart rate increases
