Isopropanol overdose Health Article

Definition

Isopropanol overdose is poisoning from swallowing isopropanol, a type of non-drinking alcohol.

Alternative Names

Rubbing alcohol overdose; Isopropyl alcohol overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Isopropyl alcohol

Where Found

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

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

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 Treatment

Seek immediate medical help.

Do not make the person throw up.

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

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

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Treatment to get blood pressure near normal
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
• Breathing assistance, possibly artificial respiration
• Dialysis

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives past the first 72 hours, complete recovery is very likely.