An intravenous infusion of ethanol can be used to treat a patient with methanol poisoning if fomepizole is not available. A patient receiving an ethanol solution usually needs to be monitored during the infusion.
Infusion requirements:
(1) The solution often must be infused through a central venous catheter.
(2) The patient needs to be adequately monitored, so often is admitted to the ICU.
(3) An infusion pump often gives better control of the infusion rate.
Target blood concentration: 100 to 150 mg/dL
Complications that can occur in association with an ethanol infusion:
(1) orthostatic hypotension if the patient is taking a vasodilator
(2) hypoglycemia, especially in a child or in a malnourished individual
(3) intoxication
(4) fetal alcohol syndrome associated with a prolonged infusion during the first trimester of pregnancy
(5) phlebitis if infused into a peripheral vein, associated with the hyperosmolarity of the infusate
(6) respiratory depression
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