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Published on: January 7, 2015
Paclitaxel formulation as a cause of ethanol intoxication
D B Wilson1, T M Beck, C A Gundlach
1Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise, ID 83712, USA.
Objective:
To report a case of ethyl alcohol intoxication associated with paclitaxel administration.
Case Summary:
A patient who received a 3-hour paclitaxel infusion for metastatic breast carcinoma and developed symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication. A blood ethanol concentration drawn at the end of the paclitaxel infusion was 97.8 mg/dL (0.098%).
Discussion:
The amount of alcohol contained in paclitaxel is discussed. A review of the literature revealed one patient series where the highest blood alcohol concentration was one-third that seen in our patient.
Conclusions:
Clinicians should recognize the potential for alcohol intoxication with paclitaxel administration. This is especially pertinent when higher doses are given over a short period of time.
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