Description
Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant, antifreeze, and solvent, and typically comprises 70 percent of "rubbing alcohol". Ingestions occur accidentally as a substitute for alcohol or as a suicide attempt. Ingestions usually cause drunkenness and when severe can cause cardiopulmonary collapse and death. Rarely bleeding from the stomach occur after an ingestion.
Symptoms
Confusion, inebriation, vomiting, abdominal pain, vomiting blood, decreased respirations.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion. An isopropyl alcohol level can be measured but is not readily available. Other tests to determine the extent of damage caused by the ingestion and to rule out other causes of the ingestion will be done.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine and serum toxicology screen, isopropyl alcohol level, blood ethanol level
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion. An isopropyl alcohol level can be measured but is not readily available. Other tests to determine the extent of damage caused by the ingestion and to rule out other causes of the ingestion will be done.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine and serum toxicology screen, isopropyl alcohol level, blood ethanol level
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Treatment
Treatment is supportive and depends on the severity of the intoxication but may include: intravenous fluids and support of the respirations. A proton pump inhibitor drug and/or histamine 2 blocker may be administered for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding.