It is true that consuming rubbing alcohol, which is primarily isopropyl alcohol, can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression similar to being drunk, but this substance is profoundly toxic and life-threatening to ingest. Rubbing alcohol, or isopropanol, is a colorless liquid commonly found in concentrations of 70% to 91% in household first-aid supplies and various cleaning products. The initial effects of ingestion mimic those of beverage alcohol, leading to symptoms like slurred speech and uncoordinated movement. However, the severity and ultimate danger are vastly different due to how the body processes this industrial chemical.
Isopropyl Alcohol and Ethanol Are Not the Same
The intoxication experienced from drinking rubbing alcohol is a dangerous side effect of an industrial chemical, not a safe equivalent to beverage alcohol. Consumable alcohol is known as ethanol (ethyl alcohol, C2H6O). Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, a structurally different molecule (C3H8O). This small structural change is why one is a recreational drug and the other is a poison.
Isopropyl alcohol is considered two to three times more potent than ethanol as a CNS depressant. Rubbing alcohol is sold at high concentrations, often 70% or 91%, which is significantly stronger than most distilled spirits (usually around 40% alcohol by volume). This higher concentration and greater potency mean that even a small amount can rapidly lead to severe intoxication and toxicity.
How the Body Processes Isopropyl Alcohol
Once ingested, isopropyl alcohol is absorbed quickly from the stomach and small intestine, with blood levels peaking within 30 minutes to three hours. The liver attempts to break down the compound using the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Unlike ethanol, which is metabolized into acetaldehyde and then into less harmful acetic acid, isopropyl alcohol is metabolized into acetone.
Acetone is a ketone and a potent CNS depressant. The conversion of isopropyl alcohol to acetone is the primary source of prolonged and severe toxicity following ingestion. Acetone is eliminated slowly by the body, partially through the lungs, which can give the breath a characteristic fruity odor. The long half-life of acetone means that the sedative effects, which can include coma, can persist for many hours.
Recognizing the Signs of Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
The signs of isopropyl alcohol poisoning can initially resemble severe drunkenness, but they quickly escalate into more serious medical distress. Patients often exhibit slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, and a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness, which can progress to stupor or coma. A tell-tale sign is severe gastrointestinal irritation, leading to nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain.
Ingestion can cause internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines, known as hemorrhagic gastritis. Systemic effects include low blood pressure (hypotension), a fast heart rate (tachycardia), and a reduction in body temperature (hypothermia). Breathing may become slow and shallow, leading to respiratory depression, which is one of the most immediate life-threatening complications.
Immediate Emergency Action
Given the extreme toxicity of isopropyl alcohol, ingestion of any amount requires immediate emergency medical intervention. If you suspect someone has swallowed rubbing alcohol, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. As an alternative, you can contact the national toll-free Poison Help hotline to speak with a specialist.
You should monitor the person’s breathing and level of consciousness while waiting for help to arrive. Do not attempt to induce vomiting, as this risks inhalation and further damage to the esophagus and lungs. Medical treatment focuses on supportive care, which may include intravenous fluids and breathing support. In severe cases, dialysis may be used to remove the isopropyl alcohol and acetone from the bloodstream.