ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Methanol poisoning

Definition

Methanol is a non-drinking type of alcohol used for industrial and automotive purposes. This article discusses poisoning from an overdose of methanol.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Methyl alcohol

Where Found

• Antifreeze
• Canned heating sources
• Copy machine fluids
• De-icing fluid
• Fuel additives (octane boosters)
• Paint remover or thinner
• Shellac
• Varnish
• Windshield wiper fluid

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Methanol poisoning mainly affects the gastrointestinal, nervous, and ophthalmological (eye) systems. Symptoms may include:

Nervous system

• Agitated behavior
• Coma
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Seizures

Ophthalmological system

• Blindness
• Blurred vision
• Dilation of the pupils

Gastrointestinal system

• Abdominal pain (severe)
• Diarrhea
• Liver function problems
• Nausea
• Pancreatitis
• Vomiting

Other

• Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
• Breathing difficulty
• Breathing stops
• Convulsions
• Fatigue
• Leg cramps
• Low blood pressure
• Weakness

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Dialysis
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison (fomepizole or ethanol)
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Oxygen and breathing support
• Other medications (folinic acid, bicarbonate)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Methanol is extremely poisonous. As little as 2 tablespoons can be deadly to a child. About 2 to 8 ounces can be deadly for an adult. The ultimate outcome depends on how much poison was swallowed and how soon treatment was received.

Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:759-760, 1034-1035.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006: 2395-2398.