Methanol (Methanol or Methyl alcohol) is a colorless, transparent liquid. It is normally used as a component of fuel or as a solvent in various industries. Consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol causes metabolic acidosis and ocular toxicity.

What Causes Methanol Poisoning?

Methanol poisoning (Methanol toxicity) can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of contaminated food. The most common and severe cause is drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol, often found in illicit or unregulated distilled spirits.

Methanol (Methanol or Methyl alcohol) is a colorless, transparent liquid. It is normally used as a component of fuel or as a solvent in industries such as ink remover, glass cleaner. When contaminated alcohol is consumed, methanol is rapidly absorbed into the body and converted into formaldehyde and formic acid. Finally, formic acid is converted into carbon dioxide and excreted through the lungs.

The toxicity of methanol arises from the accumulation of formic acid in the body, leading to metabolic acidosis and ocular toxicity.

What Are the Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning?

Symptoms may appear 1 hour to 3 days after exposure, depending on the amount of methanol ingested. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

• Difficulty breathing, chest tightness.

• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, seeing "white spots".

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness.

• Metabolic acidosis, sudden kidney failure.

Patients who ingest large amounts of methanol and do not receive timely diagnosis and treatment may develop severe complications leading to death.

How Is Methanol Poisoning Treated?

1. Supportive Care:

   • Administer fluids, correct acidosis, provide oxygen, or use a ventilator for patients with respiratory failure or impaired consciousness.

2. Antidote Therapy:

   • Ethanol is given to inhibit the conversion of methanol to formic acid, combined with folic acid to help convert formic acid into carbon dioxide for excretion.

3. Enhancing Methanol Elimination:

   • Hemodialysis (blood dialysis) effectively removes methanol from the body. Patients with eye-related symptoms or kidney failure should undergo dialysis as soon as possible.