Methanol (also known as methyl alcohol) is a clear, colorless liquid commonly used as a component in fuels or as an industrial solvent. Consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol can lead to metabolic acidosis (a condition where the blood becomes too acidic) and ocular toxicity, which can damage the eyes.
What causes methanol poisoning?
Methanol toxicity can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of food or drink contaminated with methanol. The most common cause that often leads to severe illness is drinking alcohol adulterated with methanol, typically found in non-standard distilled or illicit spirits.
Methanol (Methanol or Methyl alcohol) is a clear, colorless liquid commonly used as a fuel component or industrial solvent, such as in paint stripper, ink, and glass cleaner. After drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol, methanol is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to formaldehyde and formic acid. Ultimately, formic acid is converted to carbon dioxide and excreted via the lungs. Toxicity results from the accumulation of formic acid in the body, causing metabolic acidosis and ocular toxicity.
What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?
Symptoms may begin from 1 hour up to 3 days after exposure. Onset and severity depend on the amount absorbed. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Blurred vision, photophobia, seeing a white haze
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness
- Metabolic acidosis, acute kidney failure
Without timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, high-dose methanol exposure can lead to severe complications and may be fatal.
How is methanol poisoning treated?
- Supportive care including IV fluids, correction of metabolic acidosis, and supplemental oxygen or intubation for depressed mental status or respiratory failure.
- Antidote therapy using ethanol to inhibit conversion of methanol to formic acid, together with folinic acid to enhance the conversion of formic acid to carbon dioxide for elimination.
- Enhanced elimination via hemodialysis (hemodialysis) effectively removes methanol from the body; patients with visual symptoms or kidney failure should undergo dialysis as soon as possible.
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