Pathophysiology

Ethanol exerts its actions through several

mechanisms. For instance, it binds directly to the
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the
CNS and causes sedative effects similar to those of
benzodiazepine
Furthermore, ethanol is also a glutamate antagonist
in the CNS.
Ethanol also has direct effects on cardiac muscle,
thyroid tissue, and hepatic tissue. However, the
exact molecular targets of ethanol and the
mechanism of action are still the subjects of ongoing
research

Work up
Blood glucose level
Blood electrolytes
Blood ethanol level. Clinical findings and ethanol
concentrations may be categorized as follows (these
are rough estimates only and have not been
validated in children):
Intoxication or inebriation – 100-150 mg/dL
Loss of muscle coordination – 150-200 mg/dL
Decreased level of consciousness – 200-300 mg/dL
Death – 300-500 mg/dL
Serum salicylate and acetaminophen levels: In
intentional suicidal ingestions, the presence of other
toxic substances must be determined.

Methanol levels: These results can be helpful if an

ingestion of combined substances is suspected. A
positive methanol level can alert the physician to a
co-ingestion.

Arterial blood gases: The pH can help in ruling out

the co-ingestion of methanol and ethylene glycol,
because significant academia is associated with
those ingestions.
Serum calcium and magnesium levels: High
concentrations of ethanol and its chronic use can
deplete these cations.