Learn how antidotes work against methanol

The Minister of Health, on Saturday (4.out.2025) the purchase of 2 antidotes to treat methanol intoxicated people after ingestion of adulterated alcohol.

The government acquired 12,000 ampoules of pharmaceutical ethanol and 2,500 hunger units. The treatments will be available on public and private networks by the end of next week, according to the (Ministry of Health).

Hunger is considered a world reference in the treatment of methanol poisoning. The substance was not registered in Brazil and had to be imported emergency with a manufacturer of Japan. The operation was supported by (Pan American Health Organization).

Pharmaceutical ethanol is produced in Brazil by laboratories and manipulation pharmacies. The batch of 12,000 ampoules acquired by the government will be added to another 4,300 already delivered to SUS by federal university hospitals.

How do antidotes work?

When ingested by the body, methanol is metabolized in the liver by ADH (Alcohol Dehydrogenase). The organ transforms methanol “accidentally” In two other substances that are the toxic agents to the human being: formaldehyde and formic acid. These are the elements that attack the central nervous system and the optic nerve.

The hunger antidote acts by preventing the action of liver enzymes that transform methanol into more toxic substances. The medicine binds to ADH and can block it. As a result, methanol circulates through the body and is eliminated in the urine even before turning into formic acid.

Pharmaceutical ethanol is capable of “occupy” the enzymes that would transform methanol into toxic substances. The product mobilizes ADH to convert it to acetaldehyde and acetate, which are discarded by the body. Because it is “busy” with ethanol, the enzyme does not convert methanol.

As a result, the substance circulates by the body and is eliminated before triggering the enzymes that would transform it.

Who should take?

Antidotes should be used only to treat cases of suspected methanol poisoning. According to the MS, they can only be applied by health professionals, in environments with medical monitoring.

Also according to the government, professionals who serve patients on suspicion of poisoning do not need to wait for the laboratory to confirm the antidote, but the dose can only be provided by medical prescription.

Brazil has 195 cases

The Ministry of Health reported, on Saturday (4.out.2025), that after the ingestion of alcohol, 14 confirmed and 181 in investigation. The notifications were sent by the states until 4 pm to the CIEVS (Center for Strategic Information and Response in National Health Surveillance).

São Paulo leads with 162 records: 14 confirmed and 148 in investigation.

There are also suspicious cases in the following states: 11 in Pernambuco; 5 in Mato Grosso do Sul; 3 in Paraná; 2 in Bahia; 2 in Goiás; 2 in Rio Grande do Sul; 1 in the Federal District; 1 in the Holy Spirit; 1 in Minas Gerais; 1 in Mato Grosso; 1 in Rondônia; 1 in Piauí; 1 in Rio de Janeiro; and 1 in Paraíba.

Of the total reported cases, 13 resulted in death, of which one is confirmed in the state of São Paulo, according to the Ministry of Health report.

The deaths investigated are divided by the following states:

• 7 in São Paulo;
• 3 in Pernambuco;
• 1 Baham;
• 1 in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Given the increase and severity of cases, on Wednesday (1st.out) the Ministry of Health advised that states and municipalities immediately notify all suspicions of methanol intoxication. The measure aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and ensure a rapid and effective response to suspicious cases.

On the same day, a situation room was installed to monitor the cases. Of an extraordinary character, this structure will remain active as long as there is sanitary risk and the need for monitoring and national response.

What is methanol?

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), is a chemical highly toxic, volatile and flammable. It is a simple, colorless alcohol, with a odor similar to the common alcohol. In the past, it was called “Alcohol da Madeira”Because it is obtained from the distillation of logs. Today, it is produced on an industrial scale, especially from natural gas.

Liquid is used as a raw material for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, resins, solvent e paint. It is also present in antifreeze, wiper e ink removers. In Brazil, one of the main applications is in the production of biodieselthrough transesterification.

Lethal dosage

The ingestion of 4 ml the 10 ml Methanol can cause irreversible damage, such as blindness, according to the CFQ (Federal Council of Chemistry). The advice warns that small doses already represent a real threat to life. Esteem that 30 ml of pure methanol can be lethal.

Effects on the body

The greatest danger of methanol intake appears in late effectssays the Federal Council of Chemistry. Methanol is metabolized in the body in Formaldehyde and Formic Acidthe latter responsible for causing metabolic acidosis – a serious imbalance of the blood pH. Symptoms include:

• accelerated breathing;
• increased heart rate;
• Persistent abdominal pain;
• Damage to Visionthat can evolve into irreversible blindness.

Diagnosis and Treatment

According to ABNO (Brazilian Association of Neuro-Oftalmology), ..

In case of suspected ingestion or prolonged methanol contact, do not induce vomiting and forward the person urgently to the hospital. The sooner the diagnosis and treatment are performed, the lower the risk of death or serious sequelae.

Treatment is done with intravenous (homestepizole) drugs that, like ethanol, can inhibit methanol metabolism, avoiding formic acid formation, causing the most severe sequelae. The patient may undergo gastric wash and hemodialysis.

The risk of adulteration

According to the Federal Council of Chemistry, the problem arises when methanol is used criminal Alcoholic beverages.

Ingestion, inhalation or prolonged contact with methanol can cause immediate symptomssuch as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and depression of the central nervous system.

Prevention and Control

To avoid intoxications, it is recommended:

• verify the origin of the drinks purchased;
• distrust prices far below the market;
• Do not consume products without official registration.

The rigorous supervision of government agencies and periodic laboratory analyzes made by chemistry professionals are essential to prevent tragedies. They have the role of identifying contaminants, ensuring product quality and making the population aware of the risks of adulterated drink consumption.