Methanol toxicity: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Methanol toxicity | |||
| image = [[File:Methanol_Lewis.svg|left|thumb|Methanol structure]] | |||
| caption = Structure of methanol | |||
| field = [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[dizziness]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[abdominal pain]], [[visual disturbances]], [[metabolic acidosis]] | |||
| complications = [[Blindness]], [[coma]], [[death]] | |||
| onset = Symptoms may appear 12-24 hours after exposure | |||
| duration = Varies depending on treatment | |||
| causes = Ingestion of [[methanol]] | |||
| risks = [[Alcoholism]], accidental ingestion, [[industrial exposure]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood test]] for methanol levels, [[anion gap]] metabolic acidosis | |||
| differential = [[Ethanol toxicity]], [[ethylene glycol poisoning]], [[diabetic ketoacidosis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding ingestion of methanol, proper labeling and storage | |||
| treatment = [[Ethanol]] or [[fomepizole]], [[hemodialysis]], [[sodium bicarbonate]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment, poor if untreated | |||
| frequency = Rare in developed countries | |||
}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Methanol toxicity}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Methanol toxicity}} | ||
'''Methanol toxicity''' is a form of [[poisoning]] that occurs when methanol, a type of [[alcohol]], is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive odor, commonly used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It is also found in small amounts in various consumer products. | '''Methanol toxicity''' is a form of [[poisoning]] that occurs when methanol, a type of [[alcohol]], is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive odor, commonly used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It is also found in small amounts in various consumer products. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Methanol itself is not highly toxic, but it is metabolized in the [[liver]] to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which are highly toxic metabolites. The enzyme [[alcohol dehydrogenase]] converts methanol to formaldehyde, and [[aldehyde dehydrogenase]] further converts formaldehyde to formic acid. Formic acid accumulation leads to metabolic acidosis and can cause damage to the [[optic nerve]], resulting in [[blindness]]. | Methanol itself is not highly toxic, but it is metabolized in the [[liver]] to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which are highly toxic metabolites. The enzyme [[alcohol dehydrogenase]] converts methanol to formaldehyde, and [[aldehyde dehydrogenase]] further converts formaldehyde to formic acid. Formic acid accumulation leads to metabolic acidosis and can cause damage to the [[optic nerve]], resulting in [[blindness]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of methanol toxicity can vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Initial symptoms may include: | The symptoms of methanol toxicity can vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Initial symptoms may include: | ||
| Line 16: | Line 29: | ||
* [[Vomiting]] | * [[Vomiting]] | ||
* [[Abdominal pain]] | * [[Abdominal pain]] | ||
As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as: | As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as: | ||
* [[Visual disturbances]] (e.g., blurred vision, "snowfield" vision) | * [[Visual disturbances]] (e.g., blurred vision, "snowfield" vision) | ||
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* [[Coma]] | * [[Coma]] | ||
* [[Respiratory failure]] | * [[Respiratory failure]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of methanol toxicity is based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic indicators include: | Diagnosis of methanol toxicity is based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic indicators include: | ||
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* Increased serum methanol concentration | * Increased serum methanol concentration | ||
* Presence of formic acid in the blood | * Presence of formic acid in the blood | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The primary goals of treatment are to inhibit methanol metabolism, correct metabolic acidosis, and remove methanol and its toxic metabolites from the body. Treatment options include: | The primary goals of treatment are to inhibit methanol metabolism, correct metabolic acidosis, and remove methanol and its toxic metabolites from the body. Treatment options include: | ||
* '''Fomepizole''': An inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde. | * '''Fomepizole''': An inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde. | ||
* '''Ethanol''': Competes with methanol for alcohol dehydrogenase, reducing the formation of toxic metabolites. | * '''Ethanol''': Competes with methanol for alcohol dehydrogenase, reducing the formation of toxic metabolites. | ||
* '''Sodium bicarbonate''': Used to correct metabolic acidosis. | * '''Sodium bicarbonate''': Used to correct metabolic acidosis. | ||
* '''Hemodialysis''': Effective in removing methanol and formic acid from the blood. | * '''Hemodialysis''': Effective in removing methanol and formic acid from the blood. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventing methanol toxicity involves minimizing exposure to methanol-containing products and ensuring proper labeling and storage. Public education on the dangers of methanol ingestion and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if exposure occurs is crucial. | Preventing methanol toxicity involves minimizing exposure to methanol-containing products and ensuring proper labeling and storage. Public education on the dangers of methanol ingestion and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if exposure occurs is crucial. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Alcohol poisoning]] | * [[Alcohol poisoning]] | ||
* [[Formaldehyde]] | * [[Formaldehyde]] | ||
* [[Metabolic acidosis]] | * [[Metabolic acidosis]] | ||
* [[Optic nerve]] | * [[Optic nerve]] | ||
[[Category:Toxicology]] | [[Category:Toxicology]] | ||
[[Category:Alcohols]] | [[Category:Alcohols]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:34, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Methanol toxicity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, visual disturbances, metabolic acidosis |
| Complications | Blindness, coma, death |
| Onset | Symptoms may appear 12-24 hours after exposure |
| Duration | Varies depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Ingestion of methanol |
| Risks | Alcoholism, accidental ingestion, industrial exposure |
| Diagnosis | Blood test for methanol levels, anion gap metabolic acidosis |
| Differential diagnosis | Ethanol toxicity, ethylene glycol poisoning, diabetic ketoacidosis |
| Prevention | Avoiding ingestion of methanol, proper labeling and storage |
| Treatment | Ethanol or fomepizole, hemodialysis, sodium bicarbonate |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment, poor if untreated |
| Frequency | Rare in developed countries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Methanol toxicity is a form of poisoning that occurs when methanol, a type of alcohol, is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive odor, commonly used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It is also found in small amounts in various consumer products.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Methanol itself is not highly toxic, but it is metabolized in the liver to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which are highly toxic metabolites. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase converts methanol to formaldehyde, and aldehyde dehydrogenase further converts formaldehyde to formic acid. Formic acid accumulation leads to metabolic acidosis and can cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of methanol toxicity can vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Initial symptoms may include:
As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as:
- Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, "snowfield" vision)
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory failure
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of methanol toxicity is based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic indicators include:
- Elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis
- Increased serum methanol concentration
- Presence of formic acid in the blood
Treatment[edit]
The primary goals of treatment are to inhibit methanol metabolism, correct metabolic acidosis, and remove methanol and its toxic metabolites from the body. Treatment options include:
- Fomepizole: An inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde.
- Ethanol: Competes with methanol for alcohol dehydrogenase, reducing the formation of toxic metabolites.
- Sodium bicarbonate: Used to correct metabolic acidosis.
- Hemodialysis: Effective in removing methanol and formic acid from the blood.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing methanol toxicity involves minimizing exposure to methanol-containing products and ensuring proper labeling and storage. Public education on the dangers of methanol ingestion and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if exposure occurs is crucial.
