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The Effects of Isopropanol

Isopropanol is a colorless, flammable alcohol that is one of the most widely used industrial solvents in the world. It is frequently used as an antiseptic in homes and health care settings. Isopropanol is the primary ingredient in household rubbing alcohol. More commonly referred to as isopropyl alcohol, it is used to disinfectant surgical equipment and to prep skin before a needle is inserted. Isopropanol is an ingredient in some mouthwashes and it is the primary component in the ubiqituous hand sanitizer. If ingested, it has an inebriating effect that is poisonous.

  1. Inhalation

    • Because it's cheap and available, isopropanol is occasionally ingested as a substitute for ethanol, the alcohol in beer, wine and spirits. It has been given an extremely bitter taste by manufacturers to discourage such misuse. Like ethanol, it produces slurred speech, glassy eyes, confusion and stupor. It can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypotension and hypoglycemia. Most people recover within 24 hours. However, ingestion of 8 ounces of isopropanol can be lethal because it depresses the central nervous system and myocardial function. Ingestion by children can be particularly dangerous.

      Isopropanol is rapidly absorbed, and it depresses the central nervous system more than does a comparable concentration of ethanol. A fruity odor on the breath is a hallmark of isopropanol poisoning. This results from the production of acetone as the liver metabolizes the isopropanol. Contact a poison control center if you suspect isopropanol ingestion, and call your pediatrician if the victim is a child. If the person is lethargic or unresponsive, go to the nearest emergency room.

    Inhalation

    • Isopropanol is a known mucous membrane irritant. It can irritate the nasal passages and respiratory tract. Inhalation of isopropanol vapors at high concentrations can also have an inebriating effect. If such vapors have been inhaled, the person should be moved to fresh air until the irritation subsides.

    Contact with Eyes

    • Burns and damage to the cornea of the eye can occur if isopropanol gets into the eyes. Eyes that have been contacted by isopronanol should be flushed with large amounts of cool water for at least 15 minutes.

    Contact with Skin

    • Skin exposed to large amounts of isopropanol can become irritated and red. This alcohol can be absorbed through the skin and cause systemic effects. Contaminated skin should also be rinsed with cool water.

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