Pneumotox » Drug » Methanol (oral, topical/dermal, systemic)

Methanol (oral, topical/dermal, systemic)

Accidental or with suicidal intent. Can be present in household and hospital hand sanitizers (PMID 29987197, 29987197). Early identification, management and administration of ethanol anD/or antidotes are indicated.

Last update : 05/04/2021

II.b ARDS - Acute lung injury

IX.i Respiratory arrest - Apnea

XI.d Metabolic acidosis (incl. lactic acidosis/-gap). May cause hyperpnea/dyspnea

Diagnosing DIRD

Drug and radiation history

Drug singularity - Correct identification of the drug

Consistent timing of exposure v. onset of symptoms

Clinical, imaging, BAL, pathological pattern consistent with the specific drug

Careful exlusion of another cause

Remission of symptoms with removal of drug

Recurrence with rechallenge (rarely advisable)

Causality assessment

More detailed checklist

The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website

Philippe Camus, M.D.

Dijon, France

Methanol (oral, topical/dermal, systemic)

II.b ARDS - Acute lung injury

IX.i Respiratory arrest - Apnea

XI.d Metabolic acidosis (incl. lactic acidosis/-gap). May cause hyperpnea/dyspnea