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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

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

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

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Antidote).

Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Provides cysteine as a precursor for hepatic glutathione synthesis; restores glutathione stores depleted by acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity, preventing formation of toxic NAPQI metabolite; also has mucolytic action by breaking disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins

dogcat