Ethyl alcohol is the only commonly available alcohol that is ingested for its behavioral effects. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) produces unwanted effects and methyl alcohol is toxic. On some occasions when ethyl alcohol is not available, individuals will ingest isopropyl alcohol or methyl alcohol as a substitute, with serious adverse consequences.
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common alcohols
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Ethyl alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase. Alcohol dehydrogenase is present in gastric fluid where it is about 60% more active in men than in women. This increased activity in addition to the decreased size and higher fat to water ratio in women can help account for the increased blood alcohol levels in women following 1 drink compared to men. The majority of acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetic acid in the liver by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and by reducing its catalytic activity prior to drinking alcohol results in higher levels of acetaldehyde. Accumulation of acetaldehyde produces adverse symptoms including flushing, nausea, headache, and increased heart rate.
ethanol metabolism
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Methyl alcohol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to formaldehyde, which is toxic. In methyl alcohol poisoning, ethyl alcohol administration competes with methyl alcohol metabolism and can reduce toxicity.
Methyl Alcohol
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Isopropyl alcohol is the toxic agent in isopropyl alcohol poisoning and since ethyl alcohol competes for its degradation by alcohol dehydrogenase, the administration of ethyl alcohol is contraindicated in its treatment.
Isopropyl Alcohol
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