From the FDA Drug Label
Warnings: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Ingestion will result in gastrointestinal distress, unconsciousness and death. The effects of isopropyl alcohol ingestion are:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Unconsciousness
- Death 1
From the Research
Isopropyl alcohol ingestion is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, and the most recent and highest quality study 2 suggests that treatment typically occurs in a hospital setting and may include activated charcoal administration, supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and possibly hemodialysis in severe cases. The effects of isopropyl alcohol ingestion can be severe and potentially life-threatening, causing central nervous system depression, severe gastrointestinal irritation, metabolic acidosis, and potentially coma or death 3. Even small amounts (just a few ounces) can be dangerous, and the substance is significantly more toxic than ethanol (drinking alcohol) 4. Some key points to consider when dealing with isopropyl alcohol ingestion include:
- Calling poison control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 right away if someone has consumed isopropyl alcohol
- Not inducing vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals
- Noting the time of ingestion, amount consumed, and concentration of the alcohol while waiting for help
- Understanding that prevention is crucial, and always storing rubbing alcohol out of reach of children and individuals with cognitive impairments, and never transferring it to unlabeled containers or beverage containers that might be mistaken for drinks 5. It's also important to note that hemodialysis can be an effective treatment for severe isopropyl alcohol intoxication, as it can help remove the toxic substance from the body 2, 6. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional. In terms of management, the general principles include gastric lavage or use of activated charcoal, administration of ethanol or fomepizole to delay or prevent generation of toxic metabolites, and measurement of blood alcohol concentrations and/or serum osmolality 5.