In the 1970s and ’80s, parents used bright green Mr. Yuk stickers to warn children about poisonous household items, including rubbing alcohol. Despite this, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction may overlook these warnings and consider drinking rubbing alcohol because it is cheaper and more accessible than alcoholic beverages. However, rubbing alcohol is a dangerous poison, and consuming even a small amount can lead to severe health consequences, including death.
The Types of Alcohol: Isopropyl, Methyl, and Ethyl
Chemists classify alcohol into three main types: isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: Commonly found in rubbing alcohol, this substance has concentrations of 68-99% alcohol in water. It is colorless, has a strong odor similar to fingernail polish remover, and is used in hand sanitizers, antifreeze, household cleaners, and medical sterilizers. Isopropyl alcohol is highly toxic and consuming it can cause serious harm.
- Methyl Alcohol: Also known as methanol or wood alcohol, this type is found in products like paint remover, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid. Methanol is extremely toxic, and ingesting it can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision or blindness, low blood pressure, and damage to the nervous system.
- Ethyl Alcohol: Also known as ethanol, this is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. While ethanol can be consumed in controlled amounts, it is still toxic at high concentrations. Drinking large amounts of ethanol or its denatured form (used in fuel additives) can cause significant health issues.
The Risks of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol
Drinking rubbing alcohol, which contains isopropyl alcohol, is extremely dangerous. The digestive system is particularly affected, as the body metabolizes isopropyl alcohol into acetone, a toxic substance. Consuming rubbing alcohol can lead to the following side effects and health risks:
Central Nervous System Depression
Drinking rubbing alcohol can severely depress the central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for controlling most functions of the body and mind. This depression can manifest in several ways:
- Dizziness: The high concentration of isopropyl alcohol disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, leading to a loss of balance and coordination. This dizziness can make simple tasks like walking or standing difficult and dangerous.
- Headaches: The toxic effects of isopropyl alcohol on the brain can cause intense headaches, which are often more severe than those experienced with typical alcohol consumption.
- Severe Intoxication: Isopropyl alcohol is metabolized into acetone, a highly toxic compound that can lead to symptoms of extreme intoxication, including impaired judgment, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Gastrointestinal Irritation
Rubbing alcohol is a strong irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. Ingesting it can cause:
- Nausea and Vomiting: The body’s immediate response to the toxic substance is often to expel it through vomiting, which can be severe and persistent.
- Abdominal Pain: The irritation of the stomach lining and intestines causes significant pain, often described as burning or cramping.
- Vomiting Blood: The corrosive nature of isopropyl alcohol can damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus, leading to bleeding that manifests as blood in the vomit.
- Severe Dehydration: Continuous vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes, resulting in severe dehydration, which can further complicate the body’s ability to recover.
Organ Damage
The ingestion of rubbing alcohol can cause extensive damage to various organs:
- Kidneys: The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. The high toxicity of isopropyl alcohol can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury or failure.
- Liver: Like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol is metabolized by the liver. However, the liver can become overwhelmed by the toxic load, leading to liver damage or failure.
- Other Vital Organs: The toxic metabolites of isopropyl alcohol can cause systemic damage, affecting organs such as the pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract, leading to pancreatitis or gastrointestinal perforation.
Respiratory Issues
Severe respiratory complications can arise from ingesting rubbing alcohol:
- Difficulty Breathing: The depressant effects on the CNS can slow down respiratory functions, making it hard for the individual to breathe normally.
- Pulmonary Swelling: Isopropyl alcohol can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which severely impairs oxygen exchange.
- Respiratory Failure: In extreme cases, the respiratory system can shut down completely, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body (hypoxia), which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
Cardiovascular Collapse
Drinking rubbing alcohol can lead to catastrophic cardiovascular effects:
- Low Blood Pressure: The depressant effects of isopropyl alcohol on the CNS can lead to vasodilation, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
- Hypotension: This severe drop in blood pressure can reduce blood flow to vital organs, leading to shock.
- Cardiopulmonary Collapse: In severe cases of overdose, the combined effects on the heart and lungs can cause the cardiovascular system to fail completely. This condition is marked by the inability of the heart to pump effectively and the lungs to provide adequate oxygenation, leading to death if not treated immediately.
Symptoms of Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
If someone drinks rubbing alcohol, they may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling
- Sedation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Severe abdominal pains
- Shock and respiratory failure
- Internal bleeding
- Coma
- Organ damage
- Death
Treatment for Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
If someone ingests rubbing alcohol, immediate medical attention is necessary. Emergency treatments may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Intubation to assist with breathing
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Gastric lavage (stomach pumping)
- Dialysis to protect the kidneys
Overdosing on Rubbing Alcohol
Drinking isopropyl alcohol can lead to rapid intoxication and severe health risks. Approximately 80% of isopropyl alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within 30 minutes of ingestion. Consuming just 8 ounces (about 250 milliliters) of 90-100% isopropanol can be lethal.
Immediate Actions to Take
If someone drinks rubbing alcohol, call emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause further damage to the esophagus. If the substance is inhaled, move to fresh air. If it is on the skin, flush with water.
Rubbing alcohol is not a safe substitute for alcoholic beverages. It is a toxic substance that can cause severe health problems and death. If you suspect someone has ingested isopropyl alcohol, seek medical help immediately. Drinking rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous and can lead to a range of severe health issues, including CNS depression, gastrointestinal irritation, organ damage, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular collapse. Understanding these risks is crucial for preventing accidental or intentional ingestion and ensuring prompt medical intervention if exposure occurs. Rubbing alcohol is a toxic substance that should never be consumed under any circumstances.