The equation of Vogel et al says:
amount of ethanol ingested in mL per kg body weight =
= (blood ethanol concentration in mg/dL) * 0.6 / (percent ethanol in liquor) * 0.79)
where:
• 0.6 is the volume of distribution in L per kg.
• 0.79 is the specific gravity of ethanol.
The target blood ethanal concentration for a toxic alcohol exposure is 100 mg/dL.
If the equation is then simplified:
dose of liquor in mL per kg =
= 76 / (percent ethanol from 0 to 100)
where:
• Proof of a liquor is 2 * (percent ethanol).
Since the Vogel equation assumes rapid absorption and since GI absorption may be delayed, an adjustment is to change 76 to 100.
dose of liquor in mL per kg =
= 100 / (percent ethanol from 0 to 100)
One serving of 80 proof liquor is 1.5 ounces (1 jigger). 1 liquid ounce is 29.59 mL. For many patients the loading dose of 80 proof liquor is 4-5 shots.
