Ethanol

Products

Alcohol is contained in numerous intoxicating and stimulant products, such as wines, sparkling wines, beers and high-proof spirits. Per capita consumption in many countries averages about 8 liters of pure alcohol per year. Ethanol is also available as an open product in various qualities in pharmacies and drugstores (e.g. ethanol 70% with camphor, ethanol 96% with camphor and drinking spirit). Due to its properties, alcohol should actually belong to the narcotics. However, the state refrains from too strict regulation for various reasons.

Structure and properties

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH, C2H6O, Mr = 46.1 g/mol) exists as a clear, colorless, volatile, flammable, and hygroscopic liquid with a burning taste that is readily miscible with water. It burns with a blue, non-sooty flame. The boiling point is 78.4 °C. Alcohol is a natural product formed by the alcoholic fermentation of yeasts from carbohydrates such as glucose and starch. It can be concentrated and purified with the help of distillation.

Effects

Alcohol (ATC V03AZ01) has psychoactive, stimulant to depressant, antianxiety, disinhibitory, and vasodilatory effects. It can have aphrodisiac and euphoric effects and is antiseptic when applied externally. The psychotropic effects are due in part to its binding to the GABAA receptor, which enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and intestines and rapidly distributes to the central nervous system. It is broken down in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde, which is subsequently further metabolized. The enzymatic reaction occurs at a constant rate as a 0th order reaction. Acetaldehyde is responsible for many of the toxic effects of alcohol.

Indications for use

Ethanol is a stimulant and intoxicant known worldwide and consumed for thousands of years. Pharmaceutical uses of ethanol include solvent, excipient, preservative, extractant and disinfectant. It is also administered as an antidote in cases of poisoning with methanol or ethylene glycol.

Dosage

Alcoholic beverages should be consumed only at a low to moderate level. Men are recommended a maximum of two standard glasses and women a maximum of one standard glass per day. This is, for example, a glass of wine or a carton of beer. In low doses, alcoholic beverages can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, those who do not drink alcohol are not recommended to start for health reasons because of the possible side effects.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Women who want to become pregnant
  • Children and adolescents under 16 years
  • Alcoholism in the medical history
  • Liver or pancreatic diseases
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic diseases, propensity to cancer
  • Combination with certain drugs, such as centrally depressant drugs.
  • Participation in road traffic, at work, when operating heavy machinery.

Older and sick people often tolerate alcohol less well. They also often take medications, which are not compatible with alcohol.

Interactions

Centrally depressant medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or antihistamines, may increase adverse effects. Alcohol in combination with antidiabetic drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia because it inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. When alcohol is consumed with cocaine, the metabolite cocaethylene is formed in the liver. Cocaethylene has a longer duration of action than cocaine and is more toxic. When combined with metronidazole or disulfiram, an intolerance reaction occurs. Whether a drug can be combined with alcohol must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Adverse effects

Alcohol increases risk-taking, the propensity to violence, and reduces the ability to react and concentrate. It interferes with motor control and the ability to orient oneself. This increases the risk for accidents, injuries, and violent acts. An overdose is life-threatening (alcohol poisoning). Alcohol contains many calories and can promote the development of obesity. It can lead to dependence and addiction.Alcohol can cause a hangover with nausea, dizziness and headaches after binge drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to health. Among the possible consequences are: