Isopropanol overdose

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of isopropanol.

Alternative Names:

Rubbing alcohol; Perfume

Poisonous Ingredient:

isopropyl alcohol

Where Found:

rubbing alcohol
alcohol swabs
paint thinners
disinfectants
perfumes

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
- unresponsive reflexes
- decreased urine output
- increased urine output
- incoordination
- slurred speech
- low body temperature
- low blood sugar
respiratory
- slowed and/or labored breathing
gastrointestinal
heart and blood vessels
- low blood pressure
- rapid heart rate
nervous system
- dizziness
- coma

Home Treatment:

Call Poison Control. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (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:

Administer activated charcoal.
Administer a laxative.
Use gastric lavage.
Treat breathing difficulties.
Maintain blood pressure.
Use dialysis.
Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the patient survives past the first 72 hours, complete recovery is very likely.

Review Date: 1/9/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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