Author: Gary Jackson

Drinking Rubbing Alcohol: Risks & Dangers of Ingesting Isopropyl Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a liquid solution that contains isopropyl alcohol, water, and sometimes additional ingredients like denatonium benzoate to discourage ingestion. It is commonly used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, and cleaning agent. Rubbing alcohol typically has a higher concentration of alcohol than alcoholic beverages, making it toxic when ingested. It’s extremely dangerous to drink products containing either type of alcohol that aren’t meant for human consumption. If your child drinks hand sanitizer, you should seek immediate medical attention.

A person may turn to rubbing alcohol because they needed to get a higher dosage of alcohol to get the same level of intoxication, as they have built up a tolerance to ethanol. They may also drink it when they have no liquor left and need more to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is important to understand why a person drank rubbing alcohol before automatically assigning them a diagnosis of AUD. Not all of them mean that a person has AUD, but they may be warning signs that a person is on their way to developing it. Bleeding, nausea, and other damage from consuming rubbing alcohol may cause dehydration, which can lead to seizures.

1. They may also drink it when they have no liquor left and need more to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
2. If you or a loved one has ever considered drinking rubbing alcohol because of an alcohol addiction or alcohol dependency, please seek treatment.
3. However, inhaling concentrated fumes for extended periods can irritate your lungs, eyes, and nose.

Alcohol poisoning is very serious and increased intoxication is not worth the risk. While ethyl alcohol is found in alcoholic beverages, this does not mean all ethanol is safe to consume. Drinking hand sanitizer—even when the label says ethyl alcohol—is extremely dangerous. Remember, prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of rubbing alcohol consumption to ensure the best possible outcome for the individual. Stay informed, stay safe, and help spread awareness about the dangers of consuming rubbing alcohol. The long-term consequences of drinking rubbing alcohol can be severe, potentially leading to organ damage, coma, and even death.

Preventing ISO poisoning

While waiting for medical assistance, it is crucial to monitor the individual closely and keep them as comfortable as possible. It can cause intoxication, similar to ethanol (the type of alcohol typically consumed in beverages), but with much more harmful effects. When applied to the skin, it can cause irritation and dryness due to its dehydrating properties, especially with frequent use.

Is Isopropyl Alcohol Toxic?

Drinking isopropyl alcohol is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to alcohol poisoning. It’s estimated that about 250 milliliters (8.5 fluid ounces) is lethal to humans. In some cases, as little as 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) can be fatal.

Continued consumption of rubbing alcohol can have a detrimental impact on the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. Isopropyl alcohol, a readily available household disinfectant, may be tempting due to its universal presence at home. However, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is not a safe substitute for alcoholic drinks. Unlike ethanol, which the body can process to some degree, isopropyl alcohol is highly toxic and can cause severe health complications, even in small amounts.

To put things into perspective, ISO is more toxic than ethanol (the kind of alcohol you can drink) but less toxic than many other toxic alcohols, including ethylene glycol and methanol. ISO can be toxic when ingested orally, inhaled, or applied topically, particularly in large amounts. But keep in mind that ISO can be harmful to children in smaller amounts.

Isopropyl Alcohol vs Ethyl Alcohol

Drinking high quantities of any alcohol is potentially dangerous; this includes what you get at the liquor store. Since isopropyl alcohol is more potent and absorbs faster, though, it takes much less of it to kill you. For those wondering why you shouldn’t drink rubbing alcohol to get drunk, it’s important to understand the consequences. Repeated or excessive exposure to isopropyl alcohol can cause liver toxicity, leading to liver inflammation and impaired liver function.

Is Drinking Rubbing Alcohol a Sign of Alcohol Addiction?

The body rapidly absorbs isopropyl alcohol, with approximately 80 percent absorbed within 30 minutes of ingestion. And because of its different chemical makeup, isopropanol is not metabolized as efficiently as ethanol is in the human body. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.

What Happens If You Drink Isopropyl Alcohol? − Bottom Line

No, industrial solvents like isopropyl alcohol are never intended for human consumption. The primary target of isopropyl alcohol is the central nervous system (CNS). It acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and impairing cognitive function. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Ethyl and isopropyl alcohol are similar molecularly but have different chemical structures. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf.

However, Isopropyl alcohol has a different chemical structure than ethanol and have different uses. Upon arrival at a medical facility, the individual will undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This evaluation may include a physical examination, a review of symptoms, and various diagnostic tests to assess the extent of alcohol ingestion and any potential damage it may have caused. It’s important to note that the toxicity of rubbing alcohol increases with higher concentrations and larger amounts ingested. Even small amounts can be harmful, and the risk of severe complications should not be underestimated.