Are you unable to get beer and thinking of drinking isopropyl as a substitute for that? If yes, so hold a few seconds! Consuming isopropyl can be very dangerous.
Do you know why? Isopropyl is a disinfectant, not an alcohol. It uses harsh chemicals that can cause severe health damage. If you want to know more about it, scroll down this blog and find all the answers to your questions.
So, why wait? Let’s get going!
What is Isopropyl?
The most popular form of isopropanol is found in rubbing alcohol, which is essentially a 70% isopropanol and 30% water solution. Isopropanol, often known as isopropyl alcohol, is a colorless, transparent liquid with a harsh taste and a somewhat fruity smell. Numerous widely accessible goods, including cosmetics, hand sanitizers, lotions, aftershaves, cleansers, disinfectants, solvents, antifreeze, inks, and medications, include it.
The most frequent toxic alcohol ingestion that is reported to Poison Control Centers in the US each year is isopropanol ingestion.1. More than 4,000 instances of deliberate ingestion of isopropanol were documented in 2009 alone, even though the majority of isopropanol exposures are accidental and affect young children under the age of six.1-2
Why Do People Take Isopropyl Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is far more potent than ethanol. It is often consumed by people to get wasted or, in certain situations, to hurt themselves. To get to a specific degree of intoxication, people with alcoholism may turn to harder chemicals like rubbing alcohol.
Sometimes rubbing alcohol is used in place of ethanol since it is more widely available and significantly less expensive. For instance, a 24-hour medicine store sells 16-ounce bottles of rubbing alcohol for little more than one dollar, and you may buy them almost any time of the day.
In addition to being more powerful than ethanol, rubbing alcohol enters the bloodstream quite quickly. However, the same qualities that make it possible to become inebriated more quickly are also to blame for the severe hazards and perils related to rubbing alcohol consumption.
How Risky Is It to Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
Even with tiny swallowing, the digestive tract is most adversely affected by rubbing alcohol consumption. These abnormally high alcohol levels are converted by the body to acetone. Organ harm may result from consuming the chemical to the point of drunkenness. Due to its central nervous system depressant properties, headaches, lightheadedness, and inebriation are possible side effects. In addition, it can induce nausea, abdominal pain, and blood in the vomit since it is a gastrointestinal irritant.
Isopropanol is more intoxicating than ethanol due to its higher molecular weight and ability to cause altered sensorium, hypotension, hypothermia, and even cardiopulmonary collapse. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that hypotension is related to a mortality rate of nearly 45 percent and is associated with severe overdose.
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FAQs on What Happens If You Drink Isopropyl Alcohol?
What should you do if someone accidentally drinks isopropyl alcohol?
If someone accidentally drinks isopropyl alcohol, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause further damage. Contact poison control and follow their instructions while waiting for emergency medical help.
Can isopropyl alcohol cause long-term damage if ingested?
Yes, ingestion of isopropyl alcohol can cause long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Chronic exposure or repeated ingestion can lead to permanent organ damage and cognitive impairments.
How is isopropyl alcohol poisoning treated?
Treatment for isopropyl alcohol poisoning typically involves supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and monitoring of vital signs. In severe cases, hospitalization and more intensive treatments may be required to manage complications like respiratory depression and metabolic acidosis.
Why do some people mistakenly consume isopropyl alcohol?
Some people mistakenly consume isopropyl alcohol due to confusion with ethanol (drinking alcohol), or in rare cases, due to its availability when other alcoholic beverages are not accessible. It is important to clearly label and store isopropyl alcohol away from consumable products to prevent accidental ingestion.
Can isopropyl alcohol be used as a substitute for drinking alcohol?
No, isopropyl alcohol should never be used as a substitute for drinking alcohol. It is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning, organ damage, and death if ingested.
What are the long-term effects of surviving isopropyl alcohol poisoning?
Surviving isopropyl alcohol poisoning may result in long-term effects such as liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological impairments. Recovery may require prolonged medical care and rehabilitation.
How can I prevent accidental ingestion of isopropyl alcohol?
To prevent accidental ingestion, always store isopropyl alcohol in a secure location, away from food, beverages, and reach of children. Ensure containers are clearly labeled and never transfer the substance to an unmarked bottle or one that could be mistaken for a consumable product.
