Indications
Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol), usually at about 60 to 80% strength, is used as an antiseptic hand rub and to clean the skin before injections or blood tests. It is also used to disinfect small surfaces and medical equipment. It is for external use only.
How It Works
Alcohol kills many bacteria and viruses by damaging their outer layers and the proteins inside them. It works quickly and then evaporates. It does not kill bacterial spores well and is less effective on visibly dirty hands.
Dosage and Administration
- Hand rub: put enough to cover all surfaces of both hands (about 3 ml, or as the label says) and rub palms, backs, between the fingers, thumbs and fingertips until dry, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Skin before injection: wipe the area and let it dry completely.
Wash hands with soap and water instead when they are visibly dirty. Do not swallow.
Interactions
No important interactions when used on the skin. If swallowed, alcohol interacts with many medicines, including Metronidazole, sedatives and diabetes medicines.
Contraindications
- Allergy or sensitivity to alcohol products on the skin.
- Do not apply to open wounds, burns, the eyes or inside the mouth or nose.
Side Effects
Frequent use can dry the skin and cause irritation, cracking or stinging. A moisturiser helps. Rarely, skin allergy can occur.
Get urgent medical help if anyone, especially a child, swallows it (drowsiness, vomiting, confusion, slow breathing), if it gets into the eyes and pain does not settle after rinsing with water, or if a burn occurs after accidental ignition.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use on the skin as a hand rub or skin cleaner is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It must never be swallowed.
Precautions and Warnings
Highly flammable: keep away from flames, cigarettes, stoves and heat, and let it dry fully before touching any flame or electrical equipment. For external use only. Keep away from the eyes. In newborn and premature babies, use only as advised by medical staff, as it can harm their delicate skin.
Overdose
Swallowing it can cause alcohol poisoning, with drowsiness, vomiting, low blood sugar and slow breathing, especially in children. Seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antiseptic and disinfectant.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a tightly closed container, away from heat, flames and direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.