Ethylene glycol intoxication

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Poisons

Intoxication - ethylene glycol; Ethylene glycol poisoning

The goal of treatment is to support the body's vital functions and remove the poison from the body.

If the patient recently swallowed the ethylene glycol, the stomach may be pumped (suctioned). This can help physically remove some of the product.

Activated charcoal may also be given.

Most people with ethylene glycol poisoning will need to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. They may require a breathing machine (respirator).

Intravenous (IV) sodium bicarbonate solution is used to reverse severe acidosis.

Medications for ethylene glycol poisoning include fomepizole or intravenous ethanol, which slow the formation of the toxic by-products.

In severe cases, a procedure called hemodialysis (dialysis) may be used to directly remove the ethylene glycol and other poisonous substances from the blood. Dialysis reduces the time needed for the body to clear the toxins. Dialysis is also needed by patients who develop severe kidney failure as a result of ethylene glycol poisoning. It may be needed for many months afterwards.

If treated promptly, patients with ethylene glycol poisoning can recover, even from renal failure or coma. However, with delayed or no treatment, ethylene glycol poisoning can be deadly.

• kidney failure
• shock
• coma
• death

Ethylene glycol ingestion is a medical emergency.  If you suspect possible poisoning, seek emergency care immediately. Do not wait for poisoning symptoms to develop.

You may also want to contact the National Poison Control Center. Call 1-800-222-1222 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 any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.

Review Date: 08/08/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.