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Isopropanol overdose

Definition

Isopropanol is a type of non-drinking alcohol. Isopropanol overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows this substance.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Isopropyl alcohol

Where Found

• Alcohol swabs
• Cleaning supplies
• Paint thinners
• Perfumes
• Rubbing alcohol

Note: This list may not include all sources of isopropanol.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Burns and damage to the clear covering of the front of the eye (cornea)
• Coma
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Skin redness and pain
• Slowed breathing
• Slurred speech
• Throat pain
• Uncoordinated movement
• Unconsciousness
• Unresponsive reflexes
• Urination problems (too much or too little urine)
• Vomiting (may contain blood)

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Breathing support, possibly artificial respiration
• Dialysis
• Treatment to get blood pressure near normal
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Drinking isopropanol will most likely make you very drunk. In this case, recovery is very likely. However, drinking large amounts can lead to:

• Coma
• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulty

It is dangerous to give a child a sponge bath with isopropanol to reduce a fever. Because isopropanol is absorbed through the skin, it can make children very sick.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.