Treatment of alcohol poisoning: what medicines to take?

Mild and moderate levels of intoxication do not require any special measures; it is enough to stop drinking, take a sorbent, go to bed and have a good rest.

First aid for alcohol poisoning

If a person has pronounced symptoms of alcohol poisoning, but is still able to perform the required actions, then the first aid that can be provided at home is gastric lavage and taking sorbents: activated carbon, Enterosgel. Gastric lavage is done to remove the remnants of unabsorbed alcohol. This procedure is carried out by forcing the patient to drink as much as possible (five to ten liters) of clean water (about three to four glasses at a time) and induce vomiting. It is good to use a weak pink solution of potassium permanganate, a soda solution (a teaspoon per liter of water) or table salt (a tablespoon per 2-2.5 liters of water) for rinsing. The temperature of the rinsing solution should be about 37 ℃. The procedure is usually repeated several times (until the rinsing water is clean). Inducing vomiting is usually not necessary, this process occurs on its own. If the victim does not vomit, then you can press with a spoon or a clean finger on the root of the tongue. After gastric lavage, the patient is given sorbents and other necessary medications, which will be discussed below, and is provided with rest.

A small child's stomach is washed using an enema through the rectum.

If a person is in a pre-comatose state or in a coma and cannot be brought to consciousness, and also when alcohol poisoning has occurred in a child, it is necessary to call an ambulance. It is not recommended to wash the stomach of an unconscious person at home. You can try to bring the person to consciousness with the help of ammonia applied to a cotton swab, a handkerchief (but not from a bottle, since upon regaining consciousness, the victim can knock it out of his hands and get burns on his face). If the victim regains consciousness, wash the stomach.

A person in a comatose state should be laid on his side and covered warmly before the ambulance team arrives. Provide him with access to oxygen in the respiratory tract - clean the oral cavity and fix the tongue, preventing it from falling back. If breathing has stopped and there is no pulse, indirect cardiac massage is performed.

Acute intoxication with alcoholic beverages can end fatally, and death almost always occurs due to failure to provide first professional aid. Only a specialist, based on the results of express diagnostics, can correctly assess the condition of the victim, prescribe and use a number of medications. Almost always, acute alcohol poisoning requires resuscitation.

In the hospital, the necessary diagnostics will be carried out, measures will be taken to restore respiratory function (intubation, artificial ventilation of the lungs, oxygenation), only after this the stomach is cleansed of the remaining alcohol. Detoxification measures include gastric lavage using a probe method, forced diuresis, symptomatic therapy, vitamin therapy, stimulating the process of alcohol metabolism.

Restoration and maintenance of adequate blood circulation, aimed at restoring the normal volume of circulating blood and normalizing its rheological properties, is performed by means of drip infusions. The composition of infusion solutions is prescribed after diagnosis, based on the patient's condition. This form of drug delivery is very convenient for weakened and unconscious patients who are unable to take medications orally. Even when the patient is conscious, a drip for alcohol poisoning ensures high and rapid absorption of drugs entering directly into the venous bloodstream, which allows eliminating ethanol from the body quickly and comfortably, easier combining the necessary drugs and promptly changing the composition of infusion solutions. With drip infusions, the blood is thinned, which reduces the load on the heart muscle.

Various substances based on dextrose solutions (5% and 10%) and physiological solution (0.9% sodium chloride) are administered by infusion. To eliminate hypoglycemia, insulin is administered with dextrose solution in a ratio of 4:1.

Salt losses during vomiting are restored with Ringer's solution - a source of potassium, calcium, chlorine, sodium and water ions or Khlosol, Trisol, Disol solution. Due to the drip introduction of these solutions, the volume of circulating blood increases and its density decreases, dehydration decreases and the blood is freed from toxins.

The colloidal solution Gelatinol (contains a group of essential amino acids (methionine, glycine, cystine, etc.) and the solution Hemodez (restores the ionic balance of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, simultaneously binding and removing toxins with the help of polyvinylpyrrolidone) improve blood circulation and relieve acute intoxication.

Sedative anxiolytics such as Relanium, Diazepam, tranquilizers (Phenazepam) may be prescribed to relieve convulsive syndrome, emotional tension, and muscle relaxation. Antipsychotics, such as Propazin, are prescribed to relieve withdrawal symptoms (hallucinations, delirium, and other withdrawal symptoms).

To reduce the heart muscle's need for oxygen, blood pressure, and to stop other disturbances in cardiac and nervous activity (alcohol tremor), Propanolol or its synonyms are dripped.

Vitamin therapy is carried out, a glucose solution with vitamins B1, B6 and C is dripped to relieve neurological symptoms, prevent alcoholic psychosis, and normalize metabolism in the body.

Medicines, special antidotes created for the treatment of alcohol intoxication, accelerating the metabolism and elimination of alcohols are used. In parallel, they have hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties.

Metadoxil is an antidote for ethyl alcohol poisoning, administered intravenously over an hour and a half in a dextrose solution or saline solution in proportions from 300 to 900 mg per half a liter of solvent. Intramuscular injections are possible. The antidote for alcohol poisoning can only be used in cases where the type of toxic substance is known, otherwise the toxic effects only increase. Metadoxil is contraindicated in poisoning with surrogate alcohol products.

The antidote for methyl alcohol and ethylene glycol is 4-methylpyrazole. It inhibits the enzymatic activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, interrupting the process of splitting and forming toxic metabolites, and promotes the elimination of these alcohols unchanged. It is taken at a rate of 10 mg per kilogram of the victim's weight, dissolved in 200 ml of an aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol. This drink is given to the patient every three to four hours.

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Drug treatment

In case of moderate alcohol poisoning, rehabilitation treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis. Absorbents have a good effect in case of alcohol poisoning. They are most effective when the first signs of pathological intoxication appear, since they absorb toxic substances that are still in the gastrointestinal tract and have not yet been absorbed into the blood. Therefore, it makes sense to take these drugs once in the maximum dose.

Activated carbon for alcohol poisoning is taken at the rate of one tablet per ten kilograms of weight. If the victim drank a lot of alcohol or poisoning by low-quality products is suspected, the dose can be increased. The maximum single dose of carbon is four tablets per kilogram of weight. They can be crushed and mixed in half a glass of water. On average, up to 120 tablets can be taken per day.

White coal for alcohol poisoning is taken in smaller doses - three or four pieces at a time. The maximum number of doses is four.

Enterosgel, the main active ingredient of which is methylsilicic acid, absorbs toxic components from the stomach cavity without affecting the beneficial components of the gastric flora (digestive enzymes). The maximum dose that can be given to an adult at one time is up to six tablespoons, washed down with water. True, such a dose is difficult to handle, but at least three tablespoons must be swallowed.

Polysorb is a silicon dioxide-based sorbent that works to remove toxic substances not only from the gastrointestinal tract, but also, due to their concentration and osmotic gradients, removes toxins circulating in the body's physiological fluids into the stomach, binding them there and eliminating them. Two or three tablespoons of the powdered substance are diluted with water in a volume of 100-200 ml; in case of severe intoxication, you can take a heaped tablespoon per 100 ml of water every hour.

Lactofiltrum is a drug with two active substances: a sorbent - hydrolytic lignin, which absorbs various toxins, as well as excess toxic metabolic products; prebiotic lactulose, which normalizes intestinal microflora, since it is a nutrient medium for lacto- and bifidobacteria, the reproduction of which inhibits the development of pathogenic microorganisms. In case of alcohol poisoning, eight to ten tablets are taken at once; other anti-hangover remedies are taken no earlier than an hour later.

Potassium permanganate is mainly known as an antiseptic. Its solution is used to wash the stomach in cases of poisoning. However, potassium permanganate solution can also oxidize alcohol. The oxidation products are inactive and do not harm the body, being practically not absorbed into the intestinal walls. For one wash, an adult needs about half a liter of solution. It should be light pink, be sure to strain it well (at least through eight layers of gauze). Drink the solution while sitting, in small sips and induce vomiting after two to three minutes. Modern medicine questions the use of potassium permanganate in cases of poisoning, this substance is toxic. When washing the stomach with a solution of potassium permanganate, it is necessary to remove it from the body. Currently, there are many different more effective and modern means, but if there is nothing else at hand, then this remedy will do for adult patients.

Phosphalugel is an adsorbent that neutralizes the activity of gastric juice. The active substance is aluminum phosphate. It has a jelly-like form, envelops the mucous membrane, protecting it from the aggressive action of toxic substances. The reaction of the active substance with hydrochloric acid occurs with the formation of aluminum chloride, which, practically not absorbed into the intestinal walls, is excreted with feces. Phosphalugel is taken as jelly or diluted with water in a 100 ml container. A single dose is one or two sachets. Can be taken up to three times a day.

Smecta - contains double aluminum and magnesium silicate of stereometric structure as an active component. Protects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract from aggressive effects due to its high enveloping and binding capacity. It is used as a protector of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs and an absorbent. Adults with alcohol poisoning can take up to six sachets per day. Children from infancy can mix Smecta with water, broth, compote, baby food in the proportions: one sachet per 50 ml of liquid.

In addition to absorbents, other medications are used for alcohol poisoning that alleviate the symptoms of poisoning, restore water-salt balance, relieve pain, and eliminate diarrhea and vomiting.

The intestinal antiseptic Enterofuril is sometimes included in the drugs used to treat alcohol intoxication. At least, it is well-known. Some narcologists prescribe it to patients as a means of causing aversion to alcohol. Such use is incorrect, the drug is intended to treat intestinal infections. In addition, it is incompatible with alcohol and when used simultaneously causes many unpleasant side effects: skin rashes, convulsions, respiratory dysfunction, nausea and some neurological symptoms. Indeed, if the patient survives, then alcohol rejection may occur. And in case of alcohol poisoning, Enterofuril can only worsen the patient's condition and lead to complications. It cannot be used to alleviate the already critical condition of the body and relieve the symptoms of intoxication. Toxicologists also do not consider the practice of rejecting alcohol with the help of this drug acceptable, but that is another matter.

Regidron is a hypoosmolar preparation for rehydration and restoration of electrolyte losses during diarrhea and vomiting. Glucose, which is part of the preparation, accelerates metabolism and elimination of ethanol, enhances the absorption of salts by the intestinal membrane, citrates normalize the acid-base balance. A packet of Regidron is dissolved in a liter of water, the patient drinks the solution in small sips. In case of coma, tube rehydration is performed.

To neutralize negative symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, Almagel is prescribed - a gelatinous mixture of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides in combination with simethicone, which inhibits gas formation, protects the epithelial cells of the digestive tract, has an antacid effect, and helps eliminate flatulence. The recommended dose is one sachet four times a day.

But the most popular antispasmodic No-shpa is not suitable for alcohol poisoning (and even intoxication), it will potentiate the similar effect of ethanol, hypothermia and hypotension. The widely known painkiller Analgin should also not be given to a person in a state of alcohol intoxication, even mild or moderate, since this drug potentiates the effect of alcohol and the consequences of such a combination can lead to poisoning. Toxicologists advise taking these drugs no earlier than 12 hours after taking the last dose of alcohol, at least the next morning, if you overdid it with alcohol the night before.

Glucose is necessary in case of alcohol poisoning, ethanol destroys glucose, inhibits its synthesis processes in the body. With a glucose solution in case of acute alcohol intoxication, droppers are made, in which it is mixed with vitamins, insulin to improve metabolic processes and accelerate detoxification.

The enzymatic medicine Pancreatin for alcohol poisoning can help reduce the load on the pancreas, the functioning of which has been disrupted due to the toxic effect of ethanol, compensating for the lack of enzymes. Pancreatin is prescribed individually, depending on the deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, you need to drink from two to four tablets and the frequency of administration is also determined by the doctor.

The same applies to another enzymatic drug – Mezim. These drugs compensate for the insufficient production of digestive enzymes and help the pancreas recover after alcohol poisoning. They are used after alcohol poisoning, when the patient has already begun to eat.

Succinic acid is an endogenous component of all living organisms, including humans, participating in many biochemical reactions. A healthy organism has enough internal reserves, but when it gets into a stressful situation, its deficiency occurs. Alcohol poisoning is a severe stress for the body, and succinic acid and drugs containing it can help cope with the effects of intoxication.

Succinic acid can speed up metabolic processes, as a result of which toxic substances will leave the body faster and cause less harm. It is a strong antioxidant, promotes tissue oxygenation, supports the immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems, and potentiates the effect of other drugs. Succinic acid is contained in many drugs for the treatment of the effects of alcohol intoxication:

• Limontar - in this drug it is in a complex with citric acid; this drug, which reduces the toxic effects of alcohol, in a state of acute intoxication is prescribed one tablet at intervals of 1-2.5 hours (the tablet can be dissolved in a tablespoon of water);
• Reamberin is a detoxifying agent based on succinic acid for IV drips;
• Remaxol is a combination drug with succinic acid for intravenous infusions, indicated for alcoholic hepatitis as a complication of poisoning and for its prevention.

Antiemetics are not used in a state of acute alcohol intoxication. Vomiting is a protective reaction of the body, its attempt to get rid of excess alcohol, to prevent it from being absorbed into the blood. Such drugs are used later, after cleansing procedures, when the body has already been rid of alcohol, if it is necessary to stop vomiting, hiccups, to prevent narrowing of the airways. Cerucal is administered intravenously, Metoclopramide is administered orally.

In the treatment of alcohol poisoning, various medications are used depending on the patient's condition, complications and existing chronic diseases. Hepatoprotectors, antispasmodics, analgesics, antibiotics are used. Severe poisoning with deep coma is treated with hemodialysis and its modifications. Consultations with specialists of various profiles may be required.

Treating Alcohol Poisoning at Home

If a patient with obvious signs of alcohol intoxication is conscious and nothing threatens his life, you can limit yourself to home remedies to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of poisoning.

Cleansing the stomach of the still unabsorbed remnants of the alcohol consumed is a priority task. The sooner and more thoroughly the procedure is done, the less toxic substances will be absorbed into the blood.

You can take absorbents (those that are in your home medicine cabinet) both before and after rinsing.

If it is known for sure that a person has consumed methyl alcohol or ethylene glycol, then a single dose of 200 ml of high-quality 40% ethyl alcohol taken in the first hours can act as an antidote. Or the patient can be given 50 ml (of vodka, cognac, whiskey) every three hours.

In any case, the victim needs to drink a lot – clean water, herbal teas, water with honey dissolved in it.

If the victim wants to rest after gastric lavage, he must be well covered and not left alone without making sure that the victim has gotten better and is really sleeping and not losing consciousness.

In case of alcohol poisoning, the patient should not be allowed to lie on his back (asphyxia may occur due to vomiting and a sunken tongue).

Traditional treatment of alcohol poisoning has a wealth of experience and a century-long history, but it is still better to entrust a person in serious condition to doctors. Herbalist methods can treat moderate degrees of poisoning when the victim is conscious, does not resist and is able to perform the actions required of him.

A classic home remedy for first aid in case of a hangover is brine (cucumber, cabbage, tomato), preferably from pickles, but a marinade will also work.

Tomato juice will also help speed up the metabolism of ethanol and the elimination of metabolites, and will also help restore the water-electrolyte balance. According to reviews, tomato juice helps well with alcohol intoxication. It contains acids (succinic, malic, citric), fructose and glucose, pectins, vitamins, minerals.

Milk is a very controversial product for alcohol poisoning. It is certainly very useful, it can have a positive effect on the functioning of vital organs, however, if the patient is nauseous and vomiting, then you should not offer him milk, the gag reflex can only increase. It is another matter if the patient himself asks for milk.

In case of alcohol poisoning, traditional medicine suggests drinking milk with raw egg white mixed in it, however, this drink can cause salmonellosis.

Fermented milk products are also recommended - kefir, sour milk. They contain the same useful substances as whole milk, but are also useful for the shaken microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.

Honey is certainly useful for alcohol poisoning. This product contains a large amount of fructose, which accelerates the processing of alcohol toxins and, accordingly, their elimination. The main thing is that the victim tolerates honey well. This product is a natural antidote to ethanol. It is recommended to take:

• from 100 to 200 g in two or three doses;
• every 20 minutes, three teaspoons (six times in total), then after a two-hour break, repeat the course.

Soda is used for gastric lavage in cases of alcohol poisoning, and is recommended by both traditional healers and medical institutions. You can also prepare a soda-salt solution for this procedure: add two to three grams of salt and soda to a liter of water (≈37℃), stir well, drink in small sips, then induce vomiting. The solution must be removed from the stomach, since soda and soda water in combination with alcohol, as American scientists have recently established, potentiate its effect and aggravate intoxication.

Lemon after alcohol poisoning can be beneficial by accelerating the metabolism of ethanol and its toxic metabolites, as well as their elimination.

Many people like to snack on lemon with strong alcoholic drinks, and they also claim that it prevents strong intoxication. Citric acid is an ingredient in such an effective drug as Limontar.

To quickly neutralize the effects of alcohol toxins, it is recommended to peel one large fruit and eat it one slice at a time (like an orange), slowly and chewing each one well. The effect is promised within ten minutes after the procedure.

For those who cannot eat a whole lemon in one sitting without sugar, it is recommended to squeeze the juice into an incomplete glass of water and drink the drink immediately.

An even more gentle recommendation is to sweeten water with squeezed lemon juice with sugar or honey.

Herbal treatment is also used at home. Detoxifying properties are possessed by infusions and decoctions of such herbs as horsetail, linden blossom, thyme and mint.

To remove alcohol intoxication, you can brew a mixture of marsh rhubarb, string and meadow geranium. The herbs are mixed in equal proportions, then a tablespoon is brewed with 500 ml of boiling water. When it cools, strain and drink throughout the day. A new portion should be brewed every day.

Also take a decoction of dandelion roots for the same purpose. Prepare in the following proportions: one teaspoon of fine-grained dry raw material per glass of cold water. Boil and simmer over low heat for a third of an hour. Let stand for another half hour and strain.

Drinking lemon balm tea (brew a teaspoon per glass) can relieve debilitating nausea.

You cannot sober up the victim with a cold shower (like in the movies), force him to walk or move if he wants to lie down, leave him unattended or give him alcohol again (except in cases of poisoning with methanol or ethylene glycol).

Homeopathy

A universal homeopathic symptomatic remedy used for any poisoning, including alcohol poisoning, is Nux vomica (Nux vomica), made from the plant chilibuha or vomiting nut. It heals the mucous membrane of the entire digestive tract, normalizes the functioning of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts.

Chronic alcoholics with symptoms of poisoning are often prescribed Ranunculus bulbosus and Agaricus, which relieve delirium that occurs after poisoning.

An antidote for poisoning with strong drinks can be Ledum, and Aconitum, Arnica, and potentiated Coffea can also be used as first aid.

Methanol poisoning is treated with Plumbum (Lead).

Of the pharmacy combination drugs for acute alcohol poisoning and its consequences, we can recommend the drug Nux-Vomica Homaccord. In addition to the main homeopathic remedy for poisoning, the drug contains:

• Bryonia alba (Bryonium) – as a symptomatic remedy for headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, cough, vomiting, liver pain and heaviness in the stomach;
• Lycopodium (Lycopodium) – normalization of the digestive process after poisoning;
• Colocynthis (Colocynthis) – relieves spasms, pain, convulsions, eliminates vomiting.

From the age of six, a single dose of the drug is ten drops diluted in a teaspoon of water. Children under two years of age are given three drops, from two to five full years - five. A portion of the drug is dissolved under the tongue three times a day. You can dilute the daily dose in half a glass of water and drink, holding it in the mouth, in three doses every eight hours.

In acute conditions, a single dose can be taken every quarter of an hour for the first two hours.

The drug is taken before meals (15 minutes) or an hour after.

In order to remove toxic substances from the body, the drug can be prescribed in combination with Lymphomyosot, Renel N and other drugs, depending on the patient’s condition.

How to Recover Strength After Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol intoxication leads to dehydration and disruption of water-electrolyte balance, vitamin deficiency, damage to liver cells, brain, pancreas, and the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. To improve well-being and restore performance, it is necessary to take a number of measures to detoxify the body.

When you wake up in the morning, take a contrast shower; it is not necessary to alternate hot and ice water, it is enough to feel the difference in temperature.

Then you need to restore your water balance, the easiest way is to drink still mineral water, a little at a time, but often, literally every 15 minutes. In addition to water, you can drink rosehip infusion, it is rich in vitamin C, pomegranate juice, dried fruit compote, green tea. It is advisable not to drink sweetened and carbonated drinks during this period, and it is also not recommended to drink coffee (it provokes fluid loss).

It is necessary to take a shock dose of ascorbic acid, experts recommend soluble vitamins - they are absorbed faster. You can eat several - two or three spoons of berries, fresh or frozen. Currants, cranberries, lingonberries are better. Citrus fruits - orange, grapefruit, lemon are also suitable.

For nausea, you can take a drink with cinnamon - stir half a teaspoon in a glass of hot water. This drink can be drunk repeatedly until the nausea goes away.

To restore the functioning of brain cells after severe poisoning, you can drink Glycine, Nootropil, Cinnarizine. Excess toxic substances are removed with the help of sorbents and cleansing enemas. You can improve the functioning of the liver with the help of Essentiale or milk thistle, the pancreas - with the help of enzymatic agents (Pancreatin, Mezim, Festal). Of course, it is better if the drugs are prescribed by a doctor.

In cases of severe poisoning, infusion therapy is performed.

Nutrition and diet for alcohol poisoning

Experts are inclined to believe that after acute alcohol intoxication, nutrition should not only be complete, in order to restore lost vitamins and minerals, but also gentle, so as not to overload the organs involved in the digestion process and allow them to fully recover. Read more about nutrition during poisoning in this article.

During the first day, therapeutic fasting is recommended after alcohol poisoning with frequent and abundant drinking, mainly non-carbonated mineral water at room temperature.

Then you can include broths from dietary meat, soups, porridges, vegetable stews, cottage cheese, and fermented milk products.

It is necessary to exclude fatty, spicy, fried foods, products that cause increased gas formation, products made from fresh and rich dough. Food should be boiled, stewed, steamed.

The menu must include proteins: dietary fish and meat, cottage cheese, hard cheeses. Vegetables, fruits, natural juices, honey, nuts will help quickly restore lost vitamins and microelements.

You need to eat small portions, five to six times a day. After poisoning, sometimes you don’t want to eat certain foods – and you don’t need to (you need to listen to your body).

In principle, you can eat almost everything, gradually returning to your normal eating style. This transition will take two to three weeks.

A mandatory condition is the complete exclusion of alcohol.