American family physician
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American family physician · Jan 1993
Review Case ReportsMethanol toxicity. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Methanol is used in a variety of commercial and consumer products. Increased use of methanol as a motor fuel may lead to higher ambient air levels and a greater potential for ingestion from siphoning accidents. Methanol toxicity initially is not characterized by severe toxic manifestations. ⋯ The metabolic products of methanol can produce a syndrome of delayed-onset acidosis, obtundation, visual disturbance and death. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy should be considered if the patient's blood pH is below 7.2. Symptoms and history determine whether intravenous ethanol therapy and hemodialysis should be instituted.