Isopropyl alcohol, often recognized as rubbing alcohol, is a common household product primarily used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. This clear, colorless liquid is intended exclusively for external application and should never be consumed. Ingesting isopropyl alcohol is highly toxic and can lead to severe health consequences. Despite its widespread availability, it is a poison when taken internally.
The Dangers of Ingestion
When ingested, isopropyl alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the body, with blood levels often peaking within 30 minutes to three hours. Once in the body, it is primarily metabolized by the liver, converting it into acetone. Acetone, the same chemical found in nail polish remover, contributes to the overall toxicity and can prolong the depressant effects on the central nervous system.
It acts as a potent central nervous system depressant, exhibiting effects two to three times stronger than those of ethanol, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, uncoordination, slurred speech, and potentially coma. The substance is also a severe irritant to the gastrointestinal tract, commonly causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and gastritis, which can sometimes result in vomiting blood. Significant ingestion can lead to respiratory depression, potentially causing respiratory arrest, and may induce hypotension.
Isopropyl vs. Ethanol
While both isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are types of alcohol, they possess distinct chemical structures and are metabolized differently by the body, resulting in vastly different toxicities. Ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, has two carbon atoms and is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It is metabolized in the liver first into acetaldehyde, then quickly into less harmful acetic acid.
In contrast, isopropyl alcohol contains three carbon atoms and is metabolized into acetone, a compound that further contributes to its depressant effects. Isopropyl alcohol is considerably more toxic than ethanol; even at comparable concentrations, it can cause more severe impairment and adverse health outcomes. Ethanol is consumed recreationally, whereas isopropyl alcohol is strictly for external, disinfectant purposes.
Emergency Response
If isopropyl alcohol is ingested, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Call emergency services or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 without delay. Avoid inducing vomiting, as this can cause additional damage to the esophagus.
When medical professionals arrive or if transported to an emergency room, having the product container available can provide valuable information about the specific substance ingested. Medical treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, which includes closely monitoring vital signs, administering intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, and providing oxygen therapy if breathing is compromised. In severe cases, medical professionals may consider hemodialysis, a procedure that helps remove the isopropyl alcohol and acetone from the bloodstream.