Ethanol Poisoning
Description Diagnostic criteria Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: T51.0 DESCRIPTION Ethanol is a selective CNS depressant at low concentrations, and a generalised depressant at high concentrations. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Clinical lack of co-ordination, stupor, ataxia, coma, slurred speech, hypoglycaemia, gait disturbances, convulsions, drowsiness. Investigations Monitor bl
Description
Diagnostic criteria
Medicine treatment
Referral
ICD-10 code: T51.0
DESCRIPTION
Ethanol is a selective CNS depressant at low concentrations, and a generalised depressant at high concentrations.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Clinical
- lack of co-ordination,
- stupor,
- ataxia,
- coma,
- slurred speech,
- hypoglycaemia,
- gait disturbances,
- convulsions,
- drowsiness.
Investigations
- Monitor blood glucose levels.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Obtunded patients with hypoglycaemia:
- Dextrose 10%, IV, 2 mL/kg followed by 10% dextrose maintenance infusion. Titrate until blood glucose is controlled.
If patients respond to glucose administration, perform serial glucose levels to detect recurrent hypoglycaemia.
REFERRAL
- Persistent hypoglycaemia despite treatment.
- Depressed level of consciousness despite treatment.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 18: Poisoning, 18.1 Poisoning, 18.1.6 Ethanol Poisoning