Ingesting isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is extremely dangerous and carries a high risk of severe toxicity and death. This clear, colorless liquid is a ubiquitous household antiseptic and solvent, but it is not intended for human consumption. Even small amounts can lead to poisoning due to its rapid absorption and depressive effects on the central nervous system. Any ingestion requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly overwhelm the body’s systems.
The Chemistry of Poison
Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is structurally different from ethanol, the alcohol found in beverages. This difference dictates how the liver processes the compound. When ingested, isopropanol is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, often reaching peak concentrations in the bloodstream within 30 minutes to two hours.
Once absorbed, the liver’s alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme rapidly metabolizes isopropanol into acetone, a ketone. Acetone is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressant responsible for many of the toxic effects. The parent compound itself is a potent depressant, approximately two to three times more intoxicating than ethanol. The combination of rapid absorption and the continuous action of both the alcohol and its acetone metabolite leads to a quick and sustained toxic effect.
Signs of Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
The onset of isopropyl alcohol poisoning often mimics severe ethanol intoxication, but the effects are more pronounced and prolonged. Symptoms frequently appear quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes of ingestion. Initial signs include slurred speech, uncoordinated movement, and mental confusion, which quickly progress to stupor or unconsciousness.
The substance is a severe irritant to the digestive tract, causing intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This irritation can be so extreme that the vomit may contain blood (hemorrhagic gastritis). As the central nervous system depression deepens, it affects vital functions, leading to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes slow or shallow.
Other symptoms include hypothermia (low body temperature) and low blood pressure. In severe cases, the person may exhibit a fruity odor on their breath, which is the smell of the exhaled acetone metabolite. The combination of CNS depression, low blood pressure, and respiratory compromise can rapidly lead to a coma, organ failure, or cardiac arrest.
Urgent Medical Intervention
Any suspected ingestion of isopropyl alcohol must be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate action. The first step is to call emergency services or the local poison control center. This type of poisoning cannot be managed at home, and professional medical intervention is mandatory to monitor and stabilize the patient’s vital signs.
Treatment in a hospital setting is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining the body’s functions while the toxin is naturally cleared. Healthcare providers will manage the patient’s airway and breathing, often requiring supplemental oxygen if respiration is compromised. Intravenous fluids are administered to maintain hydration and stabilize blood pressure. In severe cases involving persistent low blood pressure or extremely high toxin levels, hemodialysis may be necessary to actively filter the isopropyl alcohol and acetone from the bloodstream. Monitoring continues until the alcohol and acetone are cleared and the patient returns to clinical sobriety.