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Ethanol overdose

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Contents of this page:

Definition   

Ethanol poisoning is caused by drinking too much alcohol.

Poisonous Ingredient   

Ethanol

Where Found   

Alcoholic beverages, including:

Symptoms   

Home Care   

If you can wake an adult who has drank too much alcohol, move the person to a comfortable place to sleep off the effects. Make sure the person won't fall or get hurt.

Place the person on their side in case they vomit.

Check the person frequently to make sure their condition does not get worse.

If the patient is semi-conscious or unconscious, emergency assistance may be needed. When in doubt, CALL for medical help.

DO NOT make the person vomit unless told to do so by Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency   

Determine the following information:

Poison Control   

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room   

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

Outlook (Prognosis)   

Survival over 24 hours past the drinking binge usually means the person will recover.

Update Date: 1/17/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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