Accidents can happen to any of us at unexpected times. Imagine what a dangerous situation could arise if someone accidentally drank something like coolant or windshield washer fluid. Some of the chemicals in these are very toxic to the body. But fortunately, with the advancement of medical science, there are special medications to treat such severe poisonings. Today we are going to talk about one such life-saving drug, the antidote Fomepizole.
What kind of medicine is Fomepizole?
Simply put, Fomepizole is a special medicine that is used to treat poisoning caused by the ingestion of certain chemicals. To be precise, it is mainly used to treat two types of poisoning:
1. Ethylene Glycol Poisoning: This chemical is most commonly found in antifreeze and coolant used in vehicles.
2. Methanol poisoning: This chemical can sometimes be found in windshield wiper fluid, some cleaning solutions, and industrial solvents.
This medicine is also known by the brand name Antizol. In addition to these two main reasons, this medicine can also be used for other medical purposes. Your doctor will decide on this.
What are the most important things to tell the doctor before using this medicine?
This is very important. It is essential that your medical team is aware of these facts before starting this treatment.
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Fomepizole, to another medicine in the group called pyrazoles, to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or are expecting a baby in the near future.
- If you are a nursing mother.
Providing this information accurately will greatly help your doctor treat you safely and more effectively.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine to be used at home. Fomepizole is a medicine that is only given in a hospital or clinic, under the direct supervision of doctors and nurses.
This is given as an injection into a vein. It is given slowly through an infusion, just like you would be given saline.
Important: If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it. They may need special care.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
Since this medicine is given under medical supervision in a hospital, the risk of an overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that this has happened, you should immediately inform a doctor or the Emergency Department (ETU).
Also, if you need information regarding any poisoning, you can call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications, foods, and other things can affect the way Fomepizole works. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. Fomepizole can interact with these things in particular:
- Alcohol
- Carbamazepine
- Cimetidine
- Ketoconazole
- Phenytoin
This list is not exhaustive. So be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
While you are being given this medicine, your condition will be monitored very carefully and closely by doctors and nurses. So there is nothing to worry about.
Like any medicine, Fomepizole can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious and should be reported immediately. Some are not so serious. Let's see what they are.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor or medical staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Abnormally fast or slow heartbeat. |
| Fever | Increased body temperature. |
| Low blood pressure | Drop in blood pressure with dizziness. |
| Seizures | Having a fit-like condition. |
| Changes in urination | Difficulty urinating or decreased/changed urine output. |
| Eye movement | Rapid, uncontrolled eye movement. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unusual bleeding from bruises or minor injuries to the body. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Change in taste in the mouth | A bad taste or metallic taste in the mouth. |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Dizziness, drowsiness. |
| Feeling intoxicated | Feeling drunk or hungover. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Digestive system problems | Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other discomfort, please inform your doctor.
How do you store the medicine?
You don't need to think about this. Because this medicine is not something you can take home. It is only stored in a hospital or clinic and is given to you there.
Take-Home Message
- Fomepizole is a specific treatment (antidote) for severe chemical poisonings such as ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze/coolant) and methanol.
- This medicine is only given as an injection into a vein in a hospital, under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, it is imperative that you inform your doctor about any other illnesses you have (especially kidney disease), allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergies, seizures, or changes in heart rate, notify the medical staff immediately.
- If you need advice regarding any poisoning, you can contact the National Poison Information Center located at the Colombo National Hospital.
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