Toxic Alcohols

Question 1

Ethanol

Answer 1

CNS depressant

Check ETOH levels and glucose

Question 2

Methanol

Answer 2

Absorbed quickly into the system
Toxic metabolites - formaldehyde and folic acid
Presents with visual complaints, ab pain, metabolic acidosis (elevated anion gap)

Question 3

Management of methanol toxicity

Answer 3

Ethanol as it competitively binds alcohol dehydrogenase 20 x greater
Monitor glucose
4 MP, bicarbonate, folate
Hemodialysis

Question 4

Ethylene glycol

Answer 4

Metabolites include glycoaldehyde, glycolic acid, oxalate
Which are all excreted through the kidneys
Can cause cardiopulmonary effects (stage 2)

Question 5

Management of ethylene glycol

Answer 5

Ethanol, 4MP, bicarbonate
Thiamine and pyridoxine (create less toxic metabolites)
Hemodialysis

Question 6

Isopropanol

Answer 6

Rubbing alcohol
Metabolized to acetone - a CNS depressant
Fruity breath due to ketone
Metabolized through the lungs