Citation

Pincus KT, Shinn BW, Frock JT. Hosp. Pharm. 1996; 31(5): 536-541.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Thomas Land Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although it is an uncommon intoxication, ethylene glycol poisoning can have grave consequences if not managed rapidly and effectively, and monitored aggressively. Ethylene glycol is a toxin found in many solvents, including antifreeze/coolant products, which are readily available to the consumer and stored in many homes. Ethylene glycol's sweet taste makes its availability a risk for suicide attempts, as well as accidental poisonings and ingestion as an ethanol substitute. The metabolites of ethylene glycol are toxic and the clinical features associated with its ingestion include central nervous system toxicity, cardiopulmonary failure, and renal failure. The prognosis for the patient relies heavily on early detection of the overdose, rapid stabilization of the patient, immediate administration of ethanol, and accessibility to dialysis services. The pharmacy practitioner is commonly relied on to assist in the early intervention of the poisoning, dosing of the ethanol and monitoring of the patient.

Language: en

Keywords

human; alcohol; poisoning; hemodialysis; ethanol; ethylene glycol; review; drug intoxication; clinical feature; patient monitoring; pyridoxine; eosinophilia; rash; intravenous drug administration; thiamine; calcium; 4 methylpyrazole; anion gap; intramuscular drug administration; glycine; osmolality; dialysis; oral drug administration; adipic acid derivative