Fast Five Quiz: Do You Know the Signs of and Best Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning?

Michael D. Levine, MD

December 19, 2014

Ethanol is rapidly absorbed across both the gastric mucosa and the small intestine, reaching a peak concentration 20-60 minutes after ingestion. Once absorbed, it is converted to acetaldehyde. This conversion involves three discrete enzymes: the microsomal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP2E1, the cytosol-based enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and the peroxisome catalase system. Acetaldehyde is then converted to acetate, which is converted to acetyl Co A and ultimately carbon dioxide and water.

For more on the pathophysiology of ethanol alcohol poisoning, read here.

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Cite this: Michael D. Levine. Fast Five Quiz: Do You Know the Signs of and Best Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning? - Medscape - Dec 19, 2014.

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