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Ethanol (Medical Grade)

Prescription
Antidote (Alcohol Dehydrogenase Substrate) / Antiseptic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Competitive substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase with higher affinity than methanol or ethylene glycol, preventing their metabolism to toxic metabolites (formic acid from methanol; glycolate/oxalate from ethylene glycol). Parent compounds are excreted renally.

At a glance

Class
Antidote (Alcohol Dehydrogenase Substrate) / Antiseptic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; flammable — keep away from heat/flame

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Alternative to fomepizole when fomepizole unavailable
Dose
—
Route
PO
Frequency
Loading then CRI x 48h
🐈

Cat

Used when fomepizole unavailable or unaffordable
Dose
5 mL/kg
Route
IV (20% solution)
Frequency
Loading then CRI x 48h

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; flammable — keep away from heat/flame

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood ethanol level (target 50–100 mg/dL)Blood glucoseBlood gasRenal functionNeurological statusHydration

Interactions

Major — 1

Metronidazole
major
Metronidazole inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde accumulation with ethanol: severe nausea, vomiting, cramping, tachycardia (disulfiram-like reaction).
Management: Do not combine. If ethanol used as EG antidote in patient on metronidazole, use fomepizole instead.

Brands

Other markets

Ethyl Alcohol
Dehydrated Alcohol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ethanol (Medical Grade)?
Ethanol (Medical Grade) is a antidote (alcohol dehydrogenase substrate) / antiseptic used in pets. Competitive substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase with higher affinity than methanol or ethylene glycol, preventing their metabolism to toxic metabolites (formic acid from methanol; glycolate/oxalate from ethylene glycol). Parent compounds are excreted renally.
›What is Ethanol (Medical Grade) used for in pets?
Ethanol (Medical Grade) is used in veterinary medicine for: Alternative to fomepizole when fomepizole unavailable; Used when fomepizole unavailable or unaffordable.
›What is the Ethanol (Medical Grade) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ethanol (Medical Grade) is typically dosed as follows — Alternative to fomepizole when fomepizole unavailable: undefined undefined PO Loading then CRI x 48h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ethanol (Medical Grade) dose for cats?
For cats, Ethanol (Medical Grade) is typically dosed as follows — Used when fomepizole unavailable or unaffordable: 5 mL/kg IV (20% solution) Loading then CRI x 48h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Ethanol (Medical Grade) need a prescription?
Yes. Ethanol (Medical Grade) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Each 10 ml (two teaspoonfuls) of oral dosage form(tonic) contains: 1.25 g of liv
M/s. Gopaldas & Vishramdas · Approved 07.08.2014
Indicated for the treatment of anorexia, indigestion and liver disorders in sheep, goat and cattle and for supplementary
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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