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General Information
Antizol (fomepizole) Injection is the first drug indicated as an antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning or for use in suspected ethylene glycol ingestion.
Side Effects
Therapy with Antizol has shown minimal central nervous system depressant effects. The most frequent adverse reactions to Antizol are headache (12%), nausea (11%), and dizziness (7%). Minor allergic reactions have been reported.
Mechanism of Action
Antizol, commonly known as 4-MP (4-methylpyrazole), is a synthetic alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor. Antizol effectively blocks formation of toxic ethylene glycol metabolites, which are responsible for metabolic acidosis and renal damage.
Additional Information
Ethylene glycol is the main component of antifreeze and coolants. Acute ethylene glycol poisoning is considered a medical emergency that is characterized by a syndrome that can include central nervous system depression, severe metabolic acidosis, renal failure, and coma. It can be lethal if left untreated or when treatment is delayed due to delayed diagnosis.