The alcohols are frequently found organic compounds. For instance, uses of ethanol include topical anesthetic, solvent, as an ingredient in perfumes and colognes, and beverage. Methanol functions as an antifreeze agent in windshield wipers and gasolines as well as a solvent for many home and industrial products.
Ethylene glycol is used as an antifreeze.
It is the most commonly misused drug in the united states, and up to half of all highway fatalities involve a drunk driver. Perhaps this makes ethanol a toxic alcohol for a different reason than some of the other alcohols that will be discussed. Some of these agents cause metabolic complications including severe metabolic acidosis which must be recognized and treated early if complications are to be avoided. Not uncommonly, a patient presents with an acute illness, but little valuable history, and yet exposure to these toxins must still be recognized. In order to have a chance in making the diagnosis in these types of patients the approach must be well planned, systematic, and organized.