Final answer:
Methanol and ethylene glycol overdoses are treated with ethanol therapy or fomepizole to inhibit the metabolism of the toxins, along with supportive care and management of metabolic acidosis. Hemodialysis may be required in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Methanol and Ethylene Glycol Overdoses
Overdoses of methanol and ethylene glycol are serious medical emergencies. The toxic mechanism of both involves their metabolism to more harmful substances. For ethylene glycol, its metabolite glycolic acid is primarily responsible for toxicity, leading to metabolic acidosis and potential damage to organs such as the brain and kidneys. Methanol is similarly dangerous, with its metabolites causing toxicity.
The traditional treatment includes the administration of ethanol therapy, as ethanol has a higher affinity for alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing both toxins. This competitive inhibition prevents the formation of the toxic metabolites. Another treatment option is fomepizole, which acts as an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor. Alongside these treatments, supportive care and management of symptoms, especially correcting acid-base disturbances, are imperative.
For cases resulting in metabolic acidosis, sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct the pH imbalance. If acute kidney injury occurs, hemodialysis is often necessary to remove the toxic compounds and metabolites from the bloodstream. Early recognition and treatment of these poisonings are critical to prevent serious complications and mortality.