Methanol (CH3OH) also referred to as methyl alcohol or wood
alcohol is widely used in commercial and industrial settings.
Methanol is found as a component of many paint removers,
varnishes, shellacs, windshield washing fluid and antifreeze.
Methanol is derrived as a by-product of wood distillation.
Poisoning occurs with consumption of contaminated whiskey,
accidental ingestion’s, and suicide attempts. Toxicity of
methanol is due to the formation of toxic metabolites;
formaldehyde and formic acid. Methanol is a colorless, volatile
liquid with distinct odor. Methanol is absorbed well in the GI
tract with peak levels attained in 30-90min. Serum half-life
ranges from 14-20 h. Methanol volume of distribution ranges from
0.6-0.7 L/kg. Methanol is primarily eliminated by liver through
metabolism but a small percentage (2-5%) is renal excreted.
Toxicity comes from the formation of formaldehyde and formic
acid through hepatic alcohol dehydrogenases. The onsets of
symptoms are associated with the accumulation of formic