What is etoh in medical terms?

Ethanol (EtOH) in Medical Terms

Ethanol (EtOH), also known as ethyl alcohol, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant commonly encountered in medical contexts due to its effects on the body. Its medical relevance stems from its use as an antiseptic, a solvent for medications, and its role in alcohol intoxication.

• Pharmacokinetics: Ethanol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with absorption significantly impacted by factors such as food consumption and gastric emptying rate. It is distributed throughout the body, reaching all tissues and fluids. Metabolism primarily occurs in the liver via alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), leading to the formation of acetaldehyde (a toxic intermediate) and ultimately acetate. A small portion is eliminated unchanged through the lungs and urine. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Pharmacokinetics".

• Pharmacodynamics: Ethanol exerts its effects primarily by modulating the activity of various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It enhances the effects of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter), inhibits the effects of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter), and affects dopamine and serotonin pathways. These actions lead to the characteristic sedative, anxiolytic, and motor-impairing effects of ethanol. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Pharmacodynamics".

• Clinical Uses:

  • Antiseptic: Ethanol, typically in concentrations of 70%, is used as a topical antiseptic due to its ability to denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes of bacteria and viruses.
  • Solvent: It serves as a solvent in many pharmaceutical preparations.
  • Treatment of Ethylene Glycol/Methanol Poisoning: Ethanol can be used as an antidote in ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning. It competes with these substances for ADH, preventing the formation of toxic metabolites. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Ethylene%20Glycol".

• Alcohol Intoxication: Ethanol intoxication manifests with a range of symptoms, including impaired judgment, incoordination, slurred speech, and altered mental status. Severe intoxication can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Alcohol%20Intoxication".

• Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Chronic ethanol use can lead to dependence. Abrupt cessation can result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, seizures, and delirium tremens. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Alcohol%20Withdrawal%20Syndrome".

• Chronic Effects: Long-term ethanol abuse can cause significant health problems, including liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), cardiovascular disease, neurological damage (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), and increased risk of certain cancers. See "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Cirrhosis".

• Drug Interactions: Ethanol can interact with numerous medications, potentially altering their effects and increasing the risk of adverse reactions.