Which treatment is effective for methanol intoxication?

The treatment for methanol intoxication that is considered effective involves the administration of ethanol or fomepizole (4-MP). Both ethanol and fomepizole act as competitive inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing methanol into toxic metabolites like formaldehyde and formic acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, ethanol and fomepizole prevent the formation of these harmful substances, thereby mitigating the toxic effects of methanol.

Ethanol, being a more readily available and cost-effective option, is often the first-line treatment in clinical settings. Fomepizole is a newer alternative that is used particularly in more severe cases or when rapid intervention is needed, as it does not produce the side effects associated with ethanol like sedation or hypoglycemia.

Other treatment options such as activated charcoal may be effective for certain types of ingestions, but they have limited utility in methanol poisoning due to the rapid metabolism of methanol, which occurs quickly after ingestion. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist and does not have a role in methanol intoxication. Supportive care is always important in managing any intoxication but is not specific treatment for the metabolic consequences of methanol poisoning. Thus,