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ETHANOL
By
Crystal Howell
Background
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Ethanol is also commonly known as ethyl alcohol
or grain alcohol.
Its chemical formula is CH3CH2OH
It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic,
agreeable odor.
Ethanol, being the main component in our
drinking alcohols, contains a somewhat sweet
flavor in dilute, aqueous solution, but can posses
a burning taste in more concentrated solutions.
General Uses
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Ethanol can be used in a number of therapeutic
applications:
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to reduce body temperature
as an antiseptic
to produce irreversible nerve block
to reduce foaming in pulmonary edema
to treat methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning
for sedative effect
to increase appetite (rare)
Acute Effects of Ethanol
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Death can occur from respiratory or circulatory
failure, aspiration pneumonitis or pulmonary
edema. Reproductive effects have been
reported in animals.
Acute exposures can cause temporary irritation
of the upper respiratory tract and coughing,
central nervous system depression with
headache, stupor, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness,
dullness, and loss of appetite.
Clinical Ratings
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Ethanol concentrations may be
categorized as follows:
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intoxication or inebriation, 100-150 mg/dL
loss of muscle coordination, 150-200 mg/dL
decreased level of consciousness, 200-300
mg/dL
death, 300-500 mg/dL.