Drinking Rubbing Alcohol
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a simple, synthetically produced alcohol, comprised of eight hydrogen, three carbon, and one oxygen atom. It is has numerous medical, industrial, and household uses, and is not to be confused with ethanol alcohol found in liquor or wine. More importantly, drinking rubbing alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
The short answer is no, it’s not! It is poisonous, and since it is a clear liquid that children may mistakenly drink as water, even small amounts can be harmful, or even lethal. For adults who try drinking rubbing alcohol as a substitute for ethanol alcohol, they could face some serious side effects, including
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Before calling the poison control center or emergency health care professional, try to determine the following information, Patient’s age, weight, and condition, the name of the product and strength, and the time and amount of the product consumed. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless told to do so by an emergency care professional or by a poison control center. Unless the patient is having symptoms such as convulsions, vomiting, or is not alert enough to swallow, or the person is unconscious, immediately give the person milk or water. How well you can help depends on the amount of isopropyl alcohol accidentally swallowed, and how quickly the patient receives treatment. The quicker you seek medical help, the better the chance at recovery.
For Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning:
Give the doctor as many details as possible. This will help the physician to make the best decisions. The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:
• Dialysis in very rare cases.
• An electrocardiogram