Drink isopropyl alcohol. Isopropanol what is it. Is it possible to drink alcohol tinctures

Isopropanol is a moderately hazardous substance used in industry and medicine. Isopropyl alcohol can be poisoned by inhalation of its vapors, as well as by oral route. Why is the connection dangerous for human life?

What is isopropanol

Isopropyl is a colorless alcoholic solution with a strong unpleasant odor. Isopropanol belongs to the third hazard class, it is often used in the production of acetone and hydrogen peroxide.

This alcohol can replace ethanol and is found in some cosmetic preparations, perfumery products, detergents and disinfectants. It is also used in medicine.

Most often, the agent can be found in a solution for washing car windows. Isopropyl alcohol (Isopropyl) is highly soluble in water, is capable of evaporation in enclosed spaces, and can accumulate if leaked. If the permissible limits are exceeded - up to 10 mg per 1 m³, it can become extremely dangerous.

Isopropyl is a flammable product that requires careful handling. It is capable of irritating the skin, affecting the respiratory system, and provoking poisoning.

Properties

Isopropyl, like other types of alcohol, has the following properties:

• The chemical formula of alcohol is c3h8o. The compound can form eters and esters. When hydrogen is added, it can turn into acetone, which has a pungent odor. Interacts with powerful oxidants, is active against rubber and plastic.
• The colorless liquid is capable of spontaneous combustion when the temperature reaches more than 450 ° C. Isopropanol vapors can mix with oxygen and form an explosive mixture. Isopropyl is susceptible to dissolution in acetone and benzene, and can be mixed with other solvents. It freezes together with water.

Areas of use

The substance has a relatively low cost, and is actively used in the following industries:

• Paint and varnish production. It is used in the form of solvents and varnishes based on cellulose nitrates, used in painting.
• Oil refineries. It is used as a solvent, an additive to oils, as well as an extractant for monobasic carboxylic acids.
• Timber processing enterprises use this alcohol to extract wood tar.
• Chemical plants, furniture factories, perfumery factories. It is used as a solvent for esters, waxes and other components.
• For the production of auto chemical products: antifreeze, glass washers and other fluids used for car care.

In addition, isopropyl (or rather isopropyl alcohol, absolute) is used in other areas: acetone, hydrogen peroxide, isopropylamine are obtained from it. Very often the element serves as a substitute for ethyl alcohol, ethanol and is part of:

• perfumery products;
• detergents and cleaning agents;
• disinfectant solutions;
• repellents;
• defrosters for windows and car locks.

Isopropyl has found its application in plumbing. Combined with oil, it can significantly increase production. In addition, medical wipes are often impregnated with this alcohol.

How does it affect the body

Isopropanol can affect a person in different ways. Isopropanol poisoning often leads to unpleasant consequences:

• When inhaled into the body, the eyes and respiratory organs are most susceptible to irritation. This often provokes a headache and depression of the brain.
• Oral ingestion of the compound is rarely fatal. When used in small doses, it causes diarrhea. The negative effect of isopropyl is observed with the use of more than 50 ml. When it enters the stomach, it dissolves easily and quickly, after which it is converted in the liver to 80% acetone and 10% morphine. The other 10% is water and carbon dioxide. The rest of the metabolism is removed with urine and when the vapors are exhaled.
• The narcotic and intoxicating effect of the compound is twice that of ethanol. A certain concentration provokes intoxication within a few hours. Prolonged exposure may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, as well as loss of consciousness.

It is worth noting that isopropyl intoxication is very rare, but isopropyl alcohol is nevertheless harmful to humans. The substance has a wide scope of use both in the economy and in cosmetology. However, if it leaks, the presence of a person in a locked room threatens health and life.

Isopropanol vapor poisoning can lead to the following disorders:

• disruption of the digestive system;
• gastritis;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmias;
• diarrhea;
• destruction of erythrocytes, blood hemolysis;
• kidney failure.

The compound is harmful and dangerous in an amount of 50 ml. When drinking a glass of isopropanol, it is usually fatal. Due to the powerful intoxicating effect, the patient can enter an alcoholic trance before he has time to take the entire dangerous dose of poison.

How can you get poisoned

You can accidentally poison yourself with isopropyl. Most often, people drink an explosive liquid, confusing it with vodka.

At risk of poisoning are people from disadvantaged categories of the population: alcoholics, people with mental disorders, homeless people who use a solution in the composition of windshield washers for cars.

Rare cases of deliberate use of the substance have been recorded. Occasionally, children are poisoned by liquid, who drink the solution without knowing the danger.

The lethal dose of isopropanol is 250 mg. The toxin dissolves in the stomach after 30-60 minutes, after which its negative effect begins to occur.

How does the poisoning happen:

• The compound is initially absorbed from the mucous surfaces of the stomach.
• Then it enters the circulatory system.
• Approximately 80% of the substance is processed in the liver.
• A small amount of isopropanol is excreted through the respiratory tract and kidneys.
• 10% pure alcohol remains in the circulatory system and is converted to acetone.
• Acetonemia develops, which negatively affects the liver, renal system and brain.

On average, the connection is displayed in 7 hours.

Symptoms

Signs of poisoning that occur when a toxin gets inside may indicate damage to a specific organ. The digestive system, brain, heart and blood vessels are most often affected. In addition, the destruction of muscle fibers is possible.

The initial symptoms of poisoning appear within 30 minutes and include the following:

• the smell of acetone from the mouth;
• vomiting containing blood impurities;
• painful syndromes in the abdomen;
• increased physical activity;
• pain symptoms in the head;
• dizziness.

With severe intoxication, other manifestations are possible:

• disorder of speech abilities;
• temperature drop;
• increased blood pressure;
• fainting;
• coma.

In the presence of these signs, the victim must be urgently hospitalized.

First aid

In case of poisoning with a dangerous compound, the victim is immediately called an ambulance. Before the arrival of doctors, the following activities are carried out:

• Gastric lavage using artificial induction of vomiting. To do this, press on the root of the tongue.
• When a patient is unconscious, he is placed on one side to avoid getting vomit into the respiratory system.
• The antidote for isopropyl alcohol is vodka or diluted alcohol. One glass is enough to neutralize the poison.

If a person has lost consciousness, you should not give him a stomach lavage or force him to drink anything: in this case, only medical help can help.

Further treatment is carried out in a hospital setting.

Diagnostics

Upon arrival at a medical institution, the patient is assigned the following tests:

• study of the acid-base state and the identification of electrolytes in the bloodstream;
• biochemical blood test;
• electrocardiography;
• x-ray.

To determine isopropanol in blood and urine, an analysis of biological media is performed, which will help to identify the quantitative content of the substance. If isopropanol is detected, the toxicological study is repeated throughout the day, as well as after treatment.

Therapy

Elimination of the pathological condition includes the following activities.

Stabilization of the patient's well-being

The victim is placed in intensive care, carrying out the introduction of a catheter into a vein, as well as cleaning the oral and nasal cavity to restore respiratory function.

In severe cases, an air vent or endotracheal tube is used. In case of significant impairment of respiratory abilities, the patient is given artificial ventilation.

To restore low blood pressure, the patient is injected with prednisone, dopamine, mezaton.

Extracting poison

If the toxin has not had time to dissolve in the bloodstream, the stomach is washed with a probe. However, liquid drunk more than three hours ago cannot be removed by such procedures.

To eliminate the remaining elements, take the following measures:

• stimulation of urination;
• non-invasive enterosorption.

In addition, after several hours, the stomach is washed again, since toxins are capable of being released in a small amount into the digestive tract.

Antidote use

Ethanol helps to neutralize the toxic effects of isopropyl alcohol. The substance is administered intravenously, combined with a solution of glucose or sodium chloride. In addition, ethanol can be administered orally.

Symptomatic treatment

Such therapy is carried out taking into account the existing symptoms.

• With a disorder of the heart, the patient is prescribed cardiac glycosides, electrolyte drugs, nitroglycerin.
• Cordiamine, caffeine, and synthetic hormones are used to lower blood pressure.
• When painful symptoms appear, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

This organic compound is considered to be less hazardous than wood alcohol, but it can cause serious consequences when taken in large quantities. The outcome of poisoning depends on the timely provision of medical care, the individual characteristics of a person, as well as other substances that have entered the body together with isopropanol.

Most often, patients with a mild to moderate stage of poisoning recover after 2-4 weeks. Severe cases of intoxication, even with resuscitation measures, are usually fatal.

Can I drink Isopropyl Alcohol?. Or is there a way to drink it at all? .or is there a way to drink it at all and got a better answer

Answer from Yoyuznik [guru]
It can be more harmful and more expensive than ethanol. It is a secondary alcohol, therefore, in the liver it is oxidized to acetone, acetone accumulates in the blood and can cause some irreparable processes in large quantities, because although acetone, like ammonia, is always formed in the body during the process of substances, but not in the same quantities as when drinking isopropanol. Drinking isopropanol is like drinking regular alcohol and washing it down with acetone on top. ... Instead of fumes, it will tarry with acetone. Therefore, the toxic effect of isopropanol is determined by the toxic effect of acetone in which it is oxidized in the liver. Like methanol to formaldehyde, that is, it is not methanol itself that is poisonous, but formaldehyde to which it is also oxidized in the liver and immediately enters into denaturation reactions with proteins, folding them, which leads to blindness and death

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: Can I drink Isopropyl Alcohol? Or is there a way to drink it at all? .or is there a way to drink it at all

Answer from Vlad the Impaler[active]
Question from the series, "Can all mushrooms be eaten?"
The answer is, everything is possible, but some are allowed only once. Isopropanol is poisonous. Not like methanol, but more than ethanol.
No need to drag everything into your mouth. Not everything that has the name alcohol is drinkable. Glycerin, for example, is also an alcohol, only polyhydric.
Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract, causing headache. May have a depressing effect on the central nervous system. Exposure significantly above the MPC may cause loss of consciousness. When taken orally, isopropanol is metabolized in the liver under the influence of alcohol dehydrogenase into acetone, which causes its toxic effect. Small doses of isopropanol usually do not cause significant disturbance. Serious toxic effects on a healthy adult when taken orally can be achieved even at doses of the order of 50 ml or more.
The maximum permissible concentration of isopropanol in air is 10 milligrams per cubic meter.
Isopropanol is organoleptically distinct from ethanol and cannot be mistaken for ethanol. Ingestion causes intoxication similar to alcoholic. Isopropanol is oxidized in the body with the participation of aldehyde dehydrogenase to acetone. The oxidation rate is on average 2 - 2.5 times lower than that of ethanol, so isopropanol intoxication is very persistent. With frequent use, intolerance rapidly develops to isopropanol, and in some cases, hypersensitivity and allergies. Although the toxicity of isopropanol is about 3.5 times that of ethanol, its intoxicating effect is also 10 times higher. For this reason, no fatal poisoning with isopropanol has been recorded, since a person falls into an alcoholic trance much earlier than he can take a lethal dose of isopropanol on his own.
Source - Wiki, the article is called isopropanol.

Answer from Marina Alekseeva[guru]
no, of course, it's poison. A similar question - is it possible to drink antifreeze or bleach. Maybe someone drinks ...

Answer from Andrey Kuznetsov[guru]
You can drink any liquid, but some - just once 🙁 If you wave a gram of 50 IPS - it's not very harmful, but you need it ?? ? It is more expensive than ethanol. And the smell ...

Answer from Ўry X[guru]
Can. But only once in a lifetime ;-))

Answer from Eve.point[guru]
I still didn't understand ... but why such a wild thought could come to mind ... with a hangover or something ...

Answer from Mikhail Barmin[guru]
I knew. HIS CALLED VOLODYA. He was 39 years old

Answer from Shot Drop[newbie]
I finally can uh ... u from our people, just to have something to drink)). For your information, even the usual so-called "food" ethanol in high concentration (vodka, cognac) strongly destroys the mucous membranes, and with regular consumption causes cancer of the stomach and esophagus, how many people have already died from this, but due to the high profitability of alcohol sellers, this is not advertised.

Content of the article: classList.toggle () "\u003e expand

Isopropyl alcohol is widely used in many areas of life. It is used in the production of various substances (acetone, hydrogen peroxide and other organic compounds), as a solvent for oils and paints, it is a part of antifreeze and glass cleaner.

Isopropyl alcohol is used in the industry for the processing of metals, in the production of optical fiber technology, in pharmaceuticals for the analysis of medicinal products, it is a part of household chemicals - cleaners, repellents.

Due to its great similarity with ethanol, isopropanol is used in medicine as an antiseptic agent for treating skin, hands, and instruments. The same property allows it to be used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics. Such a wide distribution creates a high probability of poisoning.

Isopropyl alcohol properties

Isopropyl alcohol refers to simple monohydric alcohols, its other names are isopropanol, dimethylcarbinol. It is an organic substance that is a clear, colorless liquid. The smell of isopropyl alcohol is reminiscent of ethyl alcohol, but more pronounced.

The composition of isopropyl alcohol is the atoms: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen. Chemical formula CH3CH (OH) CH3. The density of isopropyl alcohol in liquid form is 785 kg / m3.

This property of similarity to alcohol is captivating for those who are not indifferent to alcohol, provokes its use, especially in production conditions, where it is most readily available in its pure form.

Isopropyl alcohol differs from ethyl alcohol in that this substance is less volatilethan ethanol, but when stored in an unsealed container creates a high concentration of vapors. When it reaches 10 mg per 1 cubic meter of air in industrial premises, isopropanol vapors create a toxicity hazard.

The maximum permissible content in the atmosphere is 0.6 / m 3. Intoxication also occurs as a result of ingestion, however, due to the rapid decomposition and elimination of isopropanol from the body, severe consequences are extremely rare. The main toxic agent for the body is acetone, which is formed during the decomposition of isopropanol.

How is isopropanol harmful to human health?

Once in the body, regardless of the method, isopropanol has a triple effect:intoxicating, like alcohol, toxic, narcotic. Intoxication sets in faster and more severe than during alcohol intake: 10 ml of the substance drunk is equivalent to 100 ml of pure ethanol.

If the amount drunk reaches 40-50 ml in an adult, there is a threat to healthand a dose of about 300 ml can be fatal. For children, this amount is two to three times less, depending on age.

Intoxication develops as follows. Once in the liver with the blood stream, isopropanol is decomposed by the enzyme of the liver cells by alcohol dehydrogenase, turning into acetone. It has a toxic effect on the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as an intoxicating effect.

The narcotic effect of isopropanol is 2 times stronger than that of ethyl, it sharply depresses the central nervous system, inhibiting the sensitive, motor spheres, leads to a state of stupor, coma, and in large doses can cause death.

You can also get poisoned by substance vapors. This can happen if the substance was spilled inside a closed room, and the person inhaled the vapors of the poisonous substance for a long time. Isopropanol vapors cause damage to the eyes and respiratory tract.

What happens if you drink the substance

When used internally, isopropanol has a harmful effect on almost all organs and systems.

In the first hours, the gastrointestinal tract takes a hit, his mucous membrane is irritated - there is its swelling, burn areas and even defects. Moving through the intestines, isopropanol inactivates digestive enzymes, inhibits beneficial microflora.

Absorbed into the bloodstream through the portal vein enters the liver and increases the load on the liver cells, which detoxify it. Toxic hepatitis and liver failure may develop. 20% of unchanged alcohol enters the kidneys, damaging the renal tubules. In addition, acetone absorbed into the blood from the liver is also eventually excreted by the kidneys, rendering them toxic.

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The whole organism is affected, because acetone disrupts the acid-base balance in the acidic direction, acidosis develops and, as a result, metabolic disorders in all tissues and organs.

Inhalation of vapors affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, bronchi, then the pulmonary alveoli.

There is their swelling, impaired respiratory function. From the alveoli of the lungs, dissolving in water, vapors penetrate the bloodstream, providing a general toxic effect.

The harm and danger of isopronol to the nervous system that has entered the human body by any means by the fact that the cerebral cortex is affected first, intoxication occurs, and with a high dose and the parts of the base of the brain, vital centers - blood circulation, respiration - are inhibited.

Can i drink isopropyl alcohol?

Some believe that this alcohol can be drunk, believing that it is necessary to observe only its amount equivalent to alcohol in terms of intoxicating effect. This is a deep and dangerous delusion.

You will be interested in ... Ethanol, as is well known, does not add health to anyone, and its "brother" - even more so. What happens if you drink isopropanol? It will cause drunkenness much faster and loss of control over the drink, which leads to poisoning. The decomposition of ethanol in the liver releases acetaldehyde, it is also toxic to the body, but acetone, formed during the metabolism of isopropanol, is several times more toxic. Its narcotic effect is much stronger, and the likelihood of developing dependence is very high.

And regular use of this substance will inevitably lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to drink it instead of alcohol is rhetorical, because the answer is clear and unambiguous - it is impossible.

Symptoms of poisoning and first aid for intoxication

With internal use, such symptoms develop:

• Alcohol intoxication syndrome - disorientation, balance, emotional sphere;
• Increased drowsiness and depression, replacing intoxication;
• Headache, tinnitus, dizziness;
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
• Chest pain, lowering blood pressure, increased heart rate;
• Decreased vision: fog before the eyes, double vision.

Inhalation of vapors:

• Sore throat;
• Lachrymation;
• Runny nose, cough;
• Difficulty breathing
• Cyanosis of the skin;
• With massive exposure, respiratory arrest is possible.

First aid

The victim must immediately call an ambulance.

Actions to be taken to provide assistance:

• If a person is conscious, rinse the stomach with ordinary drinking water at room temperature;
• Induce vomiting;
• Give a laxative and any sorbent (activated carbon, phosphalugel, enterosgel, polysorb);
• You can give a warm drink or a rehydrating solution (glucosolan, rehydron and other analogues);
• Inhalation of vapors you need to provide an influx of fresh air and, if possible, inhale oxygen through a moistened tissue.

Body detoxification treatment methods

Isopropyl alcohol has no antidote, therefore, in a hospital setting, the goal of treatment is:

• Quick removal of intoxication;
• Elimination of acidosis;
• Restoration of organ function.

For detoxification, special intravenous infusions are used; in severe cases, the patient is connected to an extracorporeal hemosorption apparatus to purify the blood.

Acidosis is eliminated by intravenous drip of sodium bicarbonate (soda) solution. Introduce cardiac and vasodilators that improve blood circulation, respiratory stimulants.

To reduce the damaging effect, antihistamines, steroid hormones are administered, vitamin preparations are prescribed, and oxygen is inhaled.

Consequences of misuse and safety measures

Preventive measures consist in the correct storage of household chemicals - in places inaccessible to children, in the sanitary control of production facilities using isopropanol, as well as in not using it as a substitute for alcoholic beverages.

Careless use of isopropanol - accidental or intentional use can lead to serious disorders:

• Lack of organ function - cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys;
• The development of a coma with a high risk of death;
• Development of pulmonary edema, respiratory arrest;
• Severe damage to the central nervous system with the development of paralysis.

More distant consequences can manifest themselves in the formation of:

• Gastroduodenitis;
• Peptic ulcer;
• Chronic spastic bronchitis and asthma;
• Fatty hepatosis;
• Toxic nephrosis of the kidneys;
• Dysfunction of the endocrine and reproductive system;
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Psychoneurological disorders.

The effect of isopropyl alcohol has been studied in detail by specialists. Research results indicate that such a substance actually leaves traces in the human body, triggering irreversible processes. In the worst case, if such a liquid is abused, the patient may fall into a coma or die.

Basic information about this alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol shows its negative qualities almost immediately after it is taken internally. Moreover, significant poisoning with this composition occurs when the liver can no longer control the processes of alcohol breakdown in the body.

At the same time, the oral intake of such a substance can be either deliberate (which is what people suffering from advanced forms of alcoholism sin) or accidental. The widespread use of IPA (this is the abbreviated name for this liquid) was achieved due to the relatively low cost of such alcohol. Because of it, a person gets alcoholic intoxication quite quickly, reaching the initial goal.

Most often, such a composition is found when studying the contents of the following products of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries:

• medical alcohol;
• alcohol swabs;
• detergents;
• personal hygiene products;
• disinfectant liquids.

Unable to consume expensive alcoholic beverages that have gone through several stages of filtration, many citizens purchase alcohol-containing products, the composition of which also provides for the presence of isopropanol.

Often, intoxication occurs when the patient has not been able to calculate the optimal dose of alcohol. But in some cases, poisoning occurs accidentally when absorbed through the skin.

The characteristic symptoms may not appear immediately, but only after a couple of hours. In such cases, a person cannot come to his senses and his consciousness remains confused.

Household use and danger

Since isopropyl is often found in everyday life, poisoning with it is quite a common thing for doctors. Many people suffering from alcoholism for a long period have learned to ingest even glass cleaners that also contain this substance. In addition, it is found in numerous shaving lotions and. Its metabolite, acetone, is no less popular. It is found in cleaning products and in nails.

The substance spreads very quickly, since it is absorbed almost instantly when it enters the stomach or lungs (inhalation method). Alcohol quickly penetrates into all body fluids. When it enters the liver, acetone is formed there, which is excreted with the help of urine and exhaled air. Conversion in the liver occurs due to alcohol dehydrogenase.

In a normal state, a healthy person is able to cope with the processing of a small amount of such a substance. About a third of the components will be excreted by the kidneys. All the rest is processed by the liver. Poisoning occurs when human organs cannot, for some reason, transform the existing volumes of alcohol that have entered the body.

In open air, isopropylene evaporates very quickly. A striking example of this is glass washer fluid, which is popularly called "anti-freeze". But if we are talking about industrial use or the production of products that include such alcohol, then if safety rules are not followed, you can bring trouble.

In case of emergency leaks, vapors accumulate, which leads to severe poisoning by inhalation if the ventilation in the room is broken. Experts say this alcohol, when inhaled, is no less toxic than methanol. First of all, if a leak occurs, the respiratory system will suffer, and only then the organs of vision. After that, the person begins to experience severe headaches, and also his central nervous system is severely depressed.

The substance is rarely used as a drug. But such results of clinical practice do not act as an affirmative answer to the question: is it possible to drink isopropyl alcohol. This is strictly prohibited as it can harm all organ groups.

Often, intoxication with such a substance leads to a number of pathologies, which have to be dealt with for a very long time, and treatment requires significant financial resources. The main consequences are:

• hemorrhagic gastritis;
• disorders of the digestive tract;
• arterial hypotension;
• renal failure;
• bradycardia.

Due to the fact that such propane alcohol has a more pronounced intoxicating effect, a person can become intoxicated much earlier than when drinking alcoholic beverages that contain ethanol.

Clinical symptoms of poisoning

Having figured out what isopropyl alcohol is, it becomes clear why it is so dangerous for the human body, having a negative effect not only on the nervous system, but also on the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the cardiovascular system. Also, doctors often testify to the development of skeletal muscle necrosis.

The first symptoms of poisoning can be felt in about half an hour. The main signs include:

• the presence of a characteristic acetone smell when breathing;
• vomiting, including with an admixture of bloody clots in the vomit;
• pain in the abdomen;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• nervous excitement.

If you do not help the patient at this stage and do not seek qualified help immediately, then the patient's condition deteriorates sharply. The person begins to experience symptoms such as:

• disturbances of consciousness,
• depressed breathing
• speech becomes illegible
• decrease,
• hypoglycemia,
• acidosis,
• coma.

What to do with the poisoned person?

Despite the widespread belief that isopropyl alcohol poisoning of varying degrees of severity can be "tolerated", this is not entirely true. Upon detection of the first of the above-mentioned signs, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.

At the same time, there are no special measures for the provision of first aid. It is necessary to follow the standard prescriptions that:

• Gastric lavage by induction of artificial vomiting.
• Manual cleansing of the oral cavity from any remaining vomit. Otherwise, the person may drown.
• Give the patient peace of mind by laying him on his side.

Particular attention should be paid to those patients who at the time of their discovery were already in an unconscious state. They should be checked for heart rate and respiration and, if necessary, carry out emergency resuscitation measures.

If the patient breathes, but still remains unconscious, then in no case should he forcefully wash the stomach by pouring in water. It can also cause blockage of the airways. Better to just lay it on its side and fix the tongue to avoid accidentally dropping it. All other measures are carried out already in a hospital setting.

It will be great if the surrounding people, even before the ambulance arrives, can find the container from which the victim was drinking. This will establish the exact cause of the poisoning.

You don't need to know what isopropyl alcohol is made of to deal with its negative effects. Doctors insist that, first of all, the patient needs to undergo general therapy aimed at utilizing alcohol and acetone from the blood. For this, the blood is purified using an apparatus, which in medical terminology is called an "artificial kidney". We are talking about a hemodialysis procedure, which is prescribed in cases when an admitted patient is in a coma. This means that the level of toxins accumulated in the blood and organs is significantly higher than the maximum permissible norm.

In addition, the poisoned are also additionally carried out a set of measures related to preventive and supportive therapy. It provides for thorough gastric lavage.

Diagnosing the victim

The diagnosis of IPS poisoning is made only after revising the medical history of a particular patient. Doctors also examine the patient for external damage. After that, the admitted to the hospital is assigned diagnostics, which includes a blood test. This is necessary to determine if other harmful compounds inherent in household cleaning products have entered the body.

After the patient comes to his senses, he must necessarily tell the doctor how the poisoning occurred and what was the source of intoxication. Also, doctors are interested in the purpose of taking a dangerous liquid, since in some cases it is used by people prone to suicide. In such situations, work with psychologists is shown.

Separately, a neurologic examination is scheduled to determine if there is brain damage.

Thus, answering the question: is isopropyl alcohol harmful, we can confidently talk about its negative effect on the body and serious consequences after poisoning with it.

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol, belongs to the category of polyhydric alcohols, and is a colorless volatile liquid that tastes like ethyl alcohol and a smell that vaguely resembles acetone. Isopropanol is used as a substitute for the more expensive ethyl alcohol in the production of substances such as:

• car "anti-freeze" for cleaning windows in winter;
• solvent for paints;
• antifreeze or antifreeze
• degreasers;
• varnish;
• detergents;
• cements;
• automotive fuel.

Some motorists add isopropyl alcohol to motor gasoline to get rid of water that collects at the bottom of the gas tank.

Isopropanol is a dangerous toxicant leading to the development of an acute poisoning clinic. At the same time, the danger to life with its use is somewhat less than with the ingestion of methyl alcohol. The substance has a toxic effect on the internal organs and the central nervous system.

Causes of isopropanol poisoning

The vast majority of poisoning with polyhydric alcohols occurs accidentally, when the victims drink isopropyl alcohol, confusing it with vodka or ethanol. Of course, those who poisoned more often belong to socially disadvantaged groups of the population (people suffering from alcoholism, patients with mental disorders).

A small number of victims use it in the composition of windshield washer fluids. This category usually includes homeless people and patients suffering from the final stages of alcohol dependence. Due to the prevailing alcoholic encephalopathy in most cases, such people cannot adequately assess the toxic properties of the substance used.

Accidental or deliberate poisoning with isopropanol is practically not found among socially prosperous members of society. In rare cases, intoxication is diagnosed in children who do not understand what isopropyl alcohol is and what danger it poses to life.

The average lethal dose of isopropanol for an adult is 240 ml of undiluted alcohol. The substance is absorbed from the stomach in 0.5-1 hour, after which its toxic effect begins.

Isopropanol poisoning occurs according to the following scheme:

1. Absorption of alcohol from the mucous membranes of the stomach.
2. Entering the systemic circulation.
3. Processing 80% -90% of a toxic substance in the liver under the influence of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.
4. Excretion of a small amount of unchanged isopropanol through the lungs and kidneys.
5. Technical isopropanol partially remains in the blood and is broken down to acetone.
6. Ketonemia, toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and brain develops.

The half-life of isopropyl alcohol is on average 7 hours. It is excreted in urine, exhaled air, saliva, and gastric juice.

The main toxic substance when eating technical fluids is isopropanol, which is not contained in them, and the product of its decay is acetone.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The table below lists the symptoms of damage to various organ systems that develop in acute isopropanol poisoning.

Body system	Characteristic
The cardiovascular system	Decrease in blood pressure; Decreased heart rate; Arrhythmia.
central nervous system	Headache; Dizziness; Muscle weakness; Coma; Areflexia.
Gastrointestinal tract	Nausea; Vomiting; Stomach ache; Melena (altered blood in the stool).
Vision	In contrast to methanol poisoning, which can also be contained in the non-freeze, there is no visual pathology in case of PI intoxication.
Respiratory system	The smell of acetone from the mouth; Tracheobronchitis; Respiratory depression.

Laboratory diagnostics of poisoning with polyhydric alcohols includes such types of tests as:

• Clinical blood test;
• Acid base balance and electrolytes;
• Detailed biochemical blood test;
• Chest X-ray.

A specific method for determining isopropanol in the blood and urine of a patient is a toxicological analysis of biological media. Ideally, not only a qualitative determination of the presence of PI in the body is carried out, but also the calculation of its quantitative content, which further determines the effectiveness of treatment.

Unfortunately, not all clinics have such diagnostic capabilities. If the desired toxicant is found in the patient's blood, the examination is repeated several times a day, as well as after each active detoxification method used.

First aid

First aid to the victim consists in carrying out the following measures:

• Induce vomiting;
• rinse the stomach in a "restaurant" way;
• give a glass of vodka or diluted alcohol to drink (in this case, it is not harmful, but useful, since it is an antidote to isopropyl alcohol);
• Call an ambulance and hospitalize the victim in the intensive care unit.

It should be remembered that in the absence of consciousness, rinsing the stomach and trying to give the patient a drink is prohibited. A person in this state must be laid on his side and wait for the doctors. It is prohibited to independently carry out any therapeutic measures in such a situation.

Treatment

Therapy of acute poisoning with alcohol surrogates and toxic alcohols is carried out in the following areas:

• state stabilization;
• removal of poison;
• antidote therapy;
• symptomatic therapy.

Stabilization of the patient's condition

The process of stabilization of the victim's condition begins at the prehospital stage and continues after the patient is placed in the intensive care unit. At the same time, specialists carry out catheterization of a large central vein, clean the patient's mouth and nose, ensuring the possibility of free breathing, if necessary, introduce an airway or an endotracheal tube. Patients with severe respiratory dysfunction are transferred to mechanical ventilation.

Stabilization of blood pressure with its critical decrease is provided by intravenous infusion of synthetic hormones (prednisolone, dexamethasone), drip infusion of pressor amines (dopamine), vasopressors (noradrenaline, mezaton).

Removing poison

Removal of the poison that did not have time to be absorbed into the bloodstream is carried out by washing the stomach through a thick gastric or thin nasogastric (in the absence of consciousness) probe. Rinsing will not have any visible benefit if isopropyl alcohol was drunk by the patient more than 2-3 hours ago.

Removal of already absorbed poison is carried out by carrying out procedures such as:

• hemodialysis;
• forced diuresis;
• enterosorption;
• repeated gastric lavage after a few hours.

The need to fulfill the last item in this list is due to the property of most toxicants to be partially released into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract after absorption into the blood.

Antidote therapy

For isopropyl alcohol poisoning, ethanol is used as an antidote. He is able to competitively replace PI, leveling the toxic effect of the latter.

Ethanol is injected intravenously, in a volume of 500 ml of a 10% solution or 125 ml of a 43% solution. To prepare a working composition, 96% ethyl alcohol must be dissolved in glucose 10% or 5%. In case of glucose intolerance to patients, you can use saline sodium chloride solution.

In addition to intravenous administration, oral administration of ethanol is also allowed. This method has certain drawbacks and is more often used at the prehospital stage in relation to patients in a clear consciousness.

Symptomatic therapy

Symptomatic therapy for PI poisoning is carried out in accordance with the existing clinical symptoms. So, with violations of cardiac activity, patients can be prescribed cardiac glycosides, nitroglycerin, electrolyte solutions. Lowering blood pressure is an indication for the introduction of hormones, caffeine, cordiamine, dopamine. Pain syndrome is relieved by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Forecasts

Isopropyl alcohol can only cause severe poisoning if the patient has drunk a large amount of the liquid containing it. A successful outcome in this case will depend on the speed and correctness of medical care, the characteristics of the victim's body, as well as on the substances that the patient took in parallel with the use of the toxicant.

In most cases, patients with mild to moderate poisoning survive and return to normal life 2-4 weeks after poisoning. A severe degree of pathology is often fatal even with the necessary resuscitation benefits.

To summarize, drinking isopropyl alcohol is strictly prohibited. Despite the similar name and effect to ethanol, it cannot be used for food purposes. Its hazard class requires avoiding contact with the substance not only in the mouth, but also on the skin.