Toxic alcohols

Abstract

Ethanol ingestion with alcoholic intoxication is one of the commonest emergencies followed by alcohol withdrawal syndrome in chronic alcoholics presenting to the emergency department with medical conditions. Isolated toxic alcohol (other than ethanol) ingestion cases may report to the emergency department when inadvertently methanol or ethylene glycol is ingested. In areas with prohibition occasionally outbreaks of toxic alcohol ingestion are observed. As an emergency physician, it is important to identify toxic alcohol ingestion as timely treatment will prevent morbidity and mortality.