New treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning
Article Abstract:
A drug called fomepizole may be effective in treating ethylene glycol poisoning. Ethylene glycol, the main component in antifreeze, is not toxic but is metabolized to toxic chemicals in the body. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase is responsible for metabolizing the chemical. Therefore, the most effective treatment is to give the patient alcohol, which blocks the metabolism of ethylene glycol. However, high doses of alcohol also have toxic effects. Fomepizole also blocks the enzyme without causing the effects that alcohol does. However, the drug is expensive and doctors in developing countries may still prefer using alcohol to treat ethylene glycol poisoning.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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Fomepizole for the treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning
Article Abstract:
The drug fomepizole (Antizol) appears to be effective in treating ethylene glycol poisoning. Ethylene glycol is not poisonous, but an enzyme in the body called alcohol dehydrogenase converts it into toxic metabolites. Consequently, the usual treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning is to give the patient high doses of alcohol, which blocks the metabolism of ethylene glycol. However, alcohol itself can be toxic in high doses. Researchers tested fomepizole, which blocks the enzyme, in 19 patients with ethylene glycol poisoning. The drug reversed many of the toxic effects of ethylene glycol and prevented kidney damage in many of the patients.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Fomepizole for the treatment of methanol poisoning
Article Abstract:
The drug fomepizole (Antizol) appears to be effective in treating methanol poisoning, according to a study of 11 patients. Methanol is not toxic in itself, but the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase converts it into toxic metabolites. Antizol inhibits the enzyme and prevents the formation of these metabolites.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
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