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Ethanol overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of ethanol secondary to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Poisonous Ingredient:
ethanol
Where Found:
  • alcoholic beverages (beer, whiskey, wine, vodka, and so on)
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
If able to rouse an adult who has overconsumed alcohol, move the person to a comfortable place to sleep off the effects. Make sure the person won't fall, get hurt, and is not lying in vomit. If the patient is semi-conscious or unconscious, emergency assistance may be needed. WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL for medical help.

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control, because an individual can accidentally inhale vomit into the lungs.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
  • Treat the symptoms
  • intubation
  • administer iv fluids and multivitamins
Expectations (prognosis):
In cases of acute toxic alcohol consumption, survival over 24 hours usually indicates recovery will follow.
Review Date: 12/1/2001
Reviewed By: Boaz Rosenblat, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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