Methanol overdose

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of methanol.

Poisonous Ingredient:

methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol)

Where Found:

antifreeze
paint remover or thinner
shellac
varnish
canned heating sources
windshield wiper fluid
de-icing fluid
glass cleaners

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
respiratory
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- blurred vision
- blindness
- dilation of the pupils
skin
- bluish colored lips and fingernails
gastrointestinal
- nausea, vomiting
heart and blood vessels
- drop in blood pressure
nervous system
- coma
- fatigue
- headache
- dizziness

Home Treatment:

Methanol is highly toxic, and you must seek medical care at your nearest emergency room for any ingestion.

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

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 person 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:

Renal dialysis
IV ethanol
Pyrazole
IV sodium bicarbonate.
Use gastric lavage.
Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Methanol is extremely toxic. As little as 2 TABLEspoonsful can be fatal to a child, and 2 to 8 oz. can be fatal for an adult. The ultimate outcome depends on how much was swallowed and how soon appropriate care was given.

Review Date: 2/18/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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