A case of mixed intoxication with isopropyl alcohol and propanol-1 after ingestion of a topical antiseptic solution

Abstract

We report a mixed intoxication with isopropyl alcohol and propanol-1 in a hospitalized patient who ingested, on two separate days, two 100 ml bottles of a topical antiseptic solution containing isopropyl alcohol and propanol-1. Eight hours after the second ingestion, plasma concentrations of isopropanol, propanol-1 and acetone were 37 mg/dL, <10 mg/dL, and 227 mg/dl, respectively. Despite a lack of severe toxicity, 4-methylpyrazole (fomepizole) was initiated. This case points out the need to limit access to alcohol-containing antiseptic solutions on wards where alcoholic and psychotic patients are hospitalized.

Keywords:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Propanol-1
• Acetone
• Intoxication
• Pharmacokinetics

Acknowledgments

The authors thank F. Baud, M.D., Ph.D. (Intensive care unit, Hopital Lariboisiere) for his help.