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Ethanol is an alcohol that may be administered clinically to treat methanol and ethylene glycol toxicity and is applied to surfaces for disinfection and sterilization. Ethanol has also emerged as a novel cancer therapy, offering an alternative to surgical interventions. The activity discusses the indications, mechanism of action, administration, adverse effects, and contraindications for ethanol administration. Understanding ethanol's pharmacology enables healthcare professionals to optimize dosing and minimize adverse reactions. Emphasis is placed on the crucial role of the interprofessional healthcare team in managing ethanol therapy. This discussion equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge required to safely and effectively administer ethanol, improving patient outcomes and care standards. Objectives: Identify the therapeutic indications for ethanol administration. Evaluate the mechanisms contributing to ethanol's clinical efficacy across various clinical applications. Determine the appropriate management of ethanol toxicity. Implement effective collaboration and communication among interprofessional team members to ensure appropriate candidate selection for percutaneous ethanol ablation versus surgery, thereby minimizing surgery-related comorbidities and optimizing patient outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Alcohol intoxication causes CNS depression by enhancing the inhibitory effect of GABA on its receptors. Alcohol also inhibits the effects of glutamate on NMDA receptors, resulting in disinhibition and a blunted mental state. Ethanol intoxication manifests as slurred speech, stupor, and gait abnormalities. Severe intoxication may even result in a coma. Clinicians should first correct thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which often accompanies chronic alcohol use disorder. Electrolyte derangements should be corrected through appropriate infusion. Extensive counseling is frequently required for patients with alcohol use disorder. Some medications that promote alcohol cessation include naltrexone (μ-opioid receptor antagonist), disulfiram (negative conditioning), topiramate, and gabapentin. Alcohol withdrawal is another common morbidity that arises as a complication of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs due to abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption after binge drinking or long-term dependence. The signs and symptoms range from mild (eg, anxiety, headache, palpitations) to severe (eg, seizures, delirium tremens). The features of AWS typically arise within 24 hours of discontinuing alcohol consumption. Treatment involves supportive therapy for complaints. Any associated comorbidities should be treated with a 'banana bag' of essential vitamins. Severe AWS is an indication for benzodiazepine administration.[24]

Ethanol has existed as a recreational beverage since the beginning of civilization. Over the past century, extensive research has demonstrated ethanol's uses for treating disease. Ethanol has become indispensable in preventing hospital-acquired infections as a component of hand sanitizer formulas. Healthcare providers (including clinicians, mid-level providers, nurses, and pharmacists) must sanitize their hands and wear gloves before touching the patient or handling equipment (eg, catheter tubes, cannulas). This principle is also the basis of ethanol lock therapy in an ICU setting to prevent sepsis associated with infected catheters. Ethanol is currently being studied as an ablative agent for treating different neoplastic conditions that cannot be treated with surgery. The surgeon must evaluate appropriate candidates based on age, financial status, and comorbid conditions to appropriately recommend ethanol ablation over classic surgery for the purpose of preventing mortality. Ethanol has been used for decades as a treatment for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning. Even though fomepizole has emerged as a better antidote due to its superior neutralization of the offending agent, more predictable pharmacokinetics, and lower associated mortality, many still prefer ethanol due to its low cost and greater physician familiarity. Alcohol use disorder remains a global challenge, considering the mortality that correlates with misuse. More than 135 million Americans aged 12 and older actively use alcohol.[25] The clinician must identify and counsel these patients. If necessary, they should be hospitalized and receive appropriate treatment. The optimal therapeutic use of ethanol may be achieved through an interprofessional healthcare team, including clinicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs), nursing staff, and pharmacists, who work collaboratively to achieve optimal patient outcomes with minimal adverse events.