Forensic Medicine · Toxicology — Specific Poisons

Methanol Poisoning

1 min read · Verified by professors

Definition

Poisoning caused by ingestion of methyl alcohol (wood spirit).

Toxic Metabolites

Methanol is metabolized to toxic products that drive severe toxicity:

  1. Methanol → Formaldehyde
  2. Formaldehyde → Formic Acid
  3. Formic Acid → Severe toxicity

Clinical Features

Early

  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Dizziness.

Characteristic Feature — Visual Disturbances

  • Blurring of vision.
  • Photophobia.
  • "Snowfield vision."
  • Blindness.

Severe Poisoning

  • Metabolic acidosis.
  • Coma.
  • Respiratory failure.

Management

  1. ABC stabilization — Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
  2. Specific treatment
    • Fomepizole — drug of choice.
    • Ethanol — alternative antidote.
  3. Correct acidosis — sodium bicarbonate.
  4. Hemodialysis — in severe poisoning.