Ethanol

Ethanol: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Competitive inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase.

Uses of Ethanol

• Prevents metabolization of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) or methanol to toxic metabolites.
• Also used to cleanse and degrease the skin.

Dose of Ethanol in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Ethylene glycol toxicity: 5.5 ml of 20% ethanol solution/kg given i.v. q4h for 5 treatments, then i.v. q6h for 4 additional treatments.
• Alternatively, give an i.v. loading dose of 1.3 ml/kg of 30% solution then begin a constant rate infusion of 0.42 mg/kg/h for 48 hours.
• For clinically mild cases (minimal CNS signs), particularly if using vodka, oral administration is also possible.

Cats:

• Ethylene glycol toxicity: 5 ml of 20% ethanol solution/kg i.v. q6h for 5 treatments, then q8h for 4 additional treatments.

Side Effects of Ethanol in Dogs and Cats

• Ethanol will cause diuresis and may cause an additive depression that will mask CNS signs of ethylene glycol toxicity.
• Adverse events occur frequently with intravenous ethanol infusions.

Contraindications of Ethanol in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.

Some Notes:

• Avoid concurrent fomepizole administration (increases risk of alcohol toxicity).