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Invasion and distribution of methanol
M Graw1, H T Haffner, L Althaus
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany. matthias.graw@gmx.de
Archives of Toxicology
|September 27, 2000
Summary
Ethanol blocks methanol oxidation. Studies show methanol distribution volume is similar to ethanol, with rapid absorption and distribution half-lives for both oral and parenteral administration in humans.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Methanol is a toxic alcohol requiring metabolic processing.
- Ethanol is known to inhibit methanol oxidation.
- Understanding methanol's pharmacokinetic profile is crucial for managing toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of methanol in humans.
- To compare the distribution and absorption of methanol with ethanol.
- To determine methanol's distribution volume and half-life after oral and parenteral administration.
Main Methods:
- Five human subjects received methanol (approx. 10 mg/kg) orally and parenterally after ethanol administration to block oxidation.
- Blood methanol concentrations were measured to determine C0 levels.
- Distribution volume and half-life (distribution and invasion) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Methanol C0 concentrations ranged from 11.1-15.9 mg/kg.
- The distribution volume of methanol was approximately 0.77 L/kg, comparable to ethanol (0.78 L/kg).
- Parenteral administration showed a distribution half-life of ~8 min; oral administration had an invasion half-life of ~5 min.
Conclusions:
- Methanol exhibits a distribution volume similar to ethanol in humans.
- Methanol is rapidly absorbed and distributed following both oral and parenteral routes.
- Ethanol effectively inhibits methanol metabolism, allowing for pharmacokinetic assessment.