Ethanol
Also known as: Alcohol, Grain alcohol, Everclear, Vodka (used for compounding), Medical alcohol
- **Intensive Care**: Systemically administered alcohol is a life-saving antidote that must be given in a controlled clinical environment (ICU). - **Side Effects**: Your pet will essentially be "intoxicated" during treatment. We will closely monitor their central nervous system, breathing, and fluid/electrolyte balance. - **Time-Sensitive**: This treatment is most effective when started immediately after antifreeze or methanol ingestion.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Ethylene glycol poisoning
- Ethylene glycol poisoning
- Ethylene glycol toxicity
- Ethylene glycol toxicity (CRI method)
- Ethylene glycol toxicity (mild cases)
- Ethylene glycol poisoning
- Ethylene glycol poisoning
- Ethylene glycol toxicity
How it is given
Possible side effects
- CNS depression
- Respiratory depression
- Diuresis
- Hypocalcemia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Pulmonary edema
- Injection site pain and infection
- Phlebitis
- Extravasation injury
- Bronchoconstriction and irritation (when aerosolized)
Cautions & contraindications
- Concurrent use with fomepizole (usually contraindicated)
- Because ethylene glycol and methanol intoxications are life-threatening, there are no absolute contraindications to ethanol's use for these indications. Monitor fluid and electrolyte therapy requirements closely, as both the toxin and ethanol can cause diuresis. Watch for and avoid extravasation. Use during pregnancy only when necessary (FDA Category C). Ethanol may cause false positive reports on ethylene glycol screening tests.
Drug interactions
- Bromocriptine: Alcohol may increase the severity of side effects seen with bromocriptine
- Activated Charcoal: Will inhibit absorption of orally administered ethanol; do not use if administering ethanol orally
- CNS Depressant Drugs (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines): Alcohol may cause additive CNS depression
- Fomepizole (4-MP): Inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase; ethanol metabolism is reduced significantly and alcohol poisoning (CNS depression, coma, death) can occur. Use together is generally not recommended.
- Insulin and antidiabetic drugs: Alcohol may affect glucose metabolism and the actions of insulin or oral antidiabetic agents
- Chlorpropamide, furazolidone, metronidazole: A disulfiram reaction (increased acetaldehyde with tachycardia, vomiting, weakness) may occur
- Fomepizole: Increases risk of severe alcohol toxicity; concurrent use should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ethanol used for in pets?
- **Intensive Care**: Systemically administered alcohol is a life-saving antidote that must be given in a controlled clinical environment (ICU). - **Side Effects**: Your pet will essentially be "intoxicated" during treatment. We will closely monitor their central nervous system, breathing, and fluid/electrolyte balance. - **Time-Sensitive**: This treatment is most effective when started immediately after antifreeze or methanol ingestion.
Is Ethanol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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