Causes and Risks:

• ethyl alcohol
• isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol)

Where Found:

• various after shave products

Symptoms: for ethanol:

• body as a whole
  • listing from side to side
  • unable to walk in a normal manner
  • slurred speech
  • easily upset
• respiratory
  • slowed respirations
• gastrointestinal
  • vomiting
  • vomitus containing blood
  • abdominal pain
• heart and blood vessels
  • low blood pressure
• nervous system
  • stupor
  • coma

• body as a whole
  • unresponsive reflexes
  • incoordination
• respiratory
  • slowed respirations
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • vomitus containing blood
  • abdominal pain
• heart and blood vessels
  • low blood pressure
• nervous system
  • dizziness
  • deep stupor or state of unconsciousness unresponsive to treatment
  • coma

Home Treatment: Call Poison Control.

DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control.

If instructed, give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

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

Call Poison Control: They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What To Expect: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
For ethanol and isopropanol:

• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat breathing difficulties.
• Maintain blood pressure.
• Use dialysis.
• Treat the symptoms.

For ethanol: Survival over 24 hours usually indicates recovery will occur in cases of acute toxic alcohol consumption.

For isopropanol: If the patient survives over 72 hours, complete recovery is very likely.