Alcohols Flashcards
Methanol
Colourless, volatile, and sweet tasting alcohol
Common products containing methanol
-antifreeze
-fuels
-paint thinners
How long does it take for methanol to be absorbed in the GI tract
30-60mins
Is methanol itself toxic?
It is only toxic after it is metabolized by the liver which converts it into fromaldehyde
Symptoms of methanol toxicity
-N/V
-Headache
-abdominal pain
-blurred vision / blindness
-AMS
-Dilated pupils that are sluggish
-Tachypnea
Hypotension
Treatment of methanol toxicity
-a/w
-BGL
-sodium bicarbonate
-transport
-NO ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
-Have a drink (ethanol)
Why is ethanol used to treat methanol toxicity
-Methanol and ethanol are both metabolized primarily in the liver be ADH
-ADH likes ethanol more than methanol and ethanol metabolism is preferential because its metabolites aren’t as toxic as methanols
Ethylene Glycol
-colourless, vicious, sweet tasting liquid
-used as antifreeze
Stage one of ethylene glycol poisoning (acute neurological phase)
-30mins-12hrs
CNS depression
-slurred speech
-nystagmus
-ataxia
Hallucinations
Seizures
Coma
Stage 2 (cardiopulmonary phase)
-12-24hrs
-mild hypertension
-tachycardia
-tachypnea
-ARDS
-Circulatory collapse
-Myositis
Stage 3 (renal phase)
-flank pain
-costophrenic angle pain
-hematuria
-proteinuria
24-72hrs
Stage four (delayed neurological phase)
-6-12 days
-cranial neuropathy
-deafness
-facial diplegia (bilateral paralysis)
-coma
-personality changes
Total paralysis from peripheral calcium oxalate
Treatment for ethylene glycol toxicity
Same as methanol
Hemodialysis
Isopropyl alcohol
-clear colourless, sharp smelling and bitter tasting has uses that range from topical anesthetic to cleaning solutions
-Works as a CNS depressant
Isopropyl alcohol toxicity
-inebriation
-acetone smell on breath
-neuromuscular in coordination
-confusion
-nystagmus
-coma
-abdominal pain
-vomiting
-hypotension
-upper GI bleeding
Treatment for isopropyl toxicity
-supportive
-fluids for hypotension
-NO ETHANOL
-Dialysis
The four stages of alcoholism
Stage 1 - tolerance
Stage 2 - memory lapses
Stage 3 - lack of control
Stage 4 - prolonged binges
Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome
The name for symptoms that occur when a heavy drinker suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake
Minor withdrawal symptoms (1 day after cessation)
Anxiety
Insomnia
GI upset
Headache
Palpations
Anorexia
Alcoholic Hallucinosis (1 Day after cessation)
Most commonly visual, also auditory or tactile
Usually resolves with 48 hours
Withdrawal seizures (2 days after cessation)
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Can occur as early as 2 hours after cessation
Delirium Tremens
Agitation
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Fever
Diaphoresis
Peak at 5 days, lasts up to 7 days
Why do people develop a dependency for alcohol
It’s is a CNS depressant
If used over a long period of time your body decreases GABA production in your CNS and increases the production of glutamate.
The excessive glutamate causes a hyper excitatory state without depressive counter measures
Treatment for withdrawal
-supportive
-symptom control
-Benzos for seizures
-Valium as they detox
