Methanol

General Information

Methanol is a commonly used organic solvent, the ingestion of which has severe potential ramifications. It is a constituent in many commercially available industrial solvents and in poorly adulterated alcoholic beverages. Toxicity usually occurs from intentional overdose or accidental ingestion and results in metabolic acidosis, neurologic sequelae, and even death. Methanol toxicity remains a common problem in many parts of the developing world, especially among members of lower socioeconomic classes. 

Methanol poisoning is a rare cause of metabolic acidosis. Before requesting, please exclude other causes of unknown HAGMA including ethanol and ethylene glycol ingestion.