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Medicine for Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person's blood alcohol content is about 25 percent or higher, which translates to approximately seven or more drinks in an hour for a 120-pound woman, or around 10 drinks in an hour for a 160-pound man, according to brad21.org. A drink can mean a 12-ounce beer, 1.25 ounces of 80-proof liquor or five ounces of wine.

  1. Physical Effects

    • Alcohol poisoning depresses, and can even stop, involuntary nerve functions such as breathing, heartbeat and your gag reflex, which can result in choking. It also lowers your body temperature, which can lead to hypothermia. Seizures can also be caused by low blood sugar levels. Ultimately, if severe enough alcohol poisoning can lead to death by any of these means.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, seizures, disorientation and coma, according to mayoclinic.com. If a person is unconscious after having experienced repeated, uncontrolled vomiting it is possible he is suffering from alcohol poisoning. It is important to get that person to a doctor immediately so she can check his blood alcohol level.

    Myths

    • Black coffee is not a cure for alcohol poisoning, and neither is a cold shower, as the shock to the system could cause a loss of consciousness. It is also not a good idea to try to sleep it off, as alcohol that remains in the stomach and intestines can enter the blood stream after a person has become unconscious.

    Home Remedies

    • The best remedy for alcohol poisoning is for someone close to the person suffering from the condition to monitor his breathing and stay with him if he is vomiting. If he passes out, make sure he is lying on his stomach with his mouth facing the side so he does not choke on his own vomit. It is best to keep the person awake until symptoms subside.

    Professional Medicine

    • An individual suffering from alcohol poisoning should seek medical attention immediately. A doctor typically will administer fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration and may induce vomiting to prevent alcohol in the system from entering the blood stream. Careful monitoring of vital signs is key while the body filters out the alcohol. If a person survives the first 24 hours of alcohol poisoning the prognosis is usually good, according to learn-about-alcoholism.com.

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