Methyl alcohol poisoning in man has been relatively rare, occurring primarily as the result of the ingestion of bootlegged whiskey.1 At present, however, many new uses of methyl alcohol are being proposed. These are primarily concerned with energy production, either as an alternative energy source or as a gasoline extender.2,3 With the potential upsurge in the use of methyl alcohol comes an increased urgency for the development of an effective treatment of methyl alcohol toxic reactions.
Methyl alcohol poisoning in man is characterized by a 12- to 24-hour latent period followed by the development of metabolic acidosis, abdominal pain, weakness, hyperpnea, visual impairment or blindness, and frequently, death.4,5 Because of this latent period and because alcohol, which blocks the metabolism of methyl alcohol, alleviates some of the toxic reaction, it has been assumed that metabolites of methyl alcohol are responsible for the toxic effects observed.5
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