Overview
Ethylene glycol poisoning happens when a person swallows ethylene glycol, a chemical found most commonly in antifreeze and some industrial products. It can also be called antifreeze poisoning. While ethylene glycol itself is not extremely toxic, the body quickly breaks it down into harmful substances that attack the kidneys, brain, and other organs. This makes it a medical emergency that can become life-threatening within hours if not treated. After swallowing ethylene glycol, a person may first seem drunk or confused, similar to alcohol intoxication. Over the next several hours, the body produces acidic byproducts that cause a dangerous drop in blood pH, a condition called metabolic acidosis. The kidneys are especially vulnerable and can shut down completely. Calcium oxalate crystals form in the kidneys and other tissues, causing serious damage. Treatment must begin as quickly as possible. The main goals are to stop the body from breaking down ethylene glycol into its toxic byproducts and to remove the poison from the blood. Doctors use an antidote called fomepizole (also known as 4-MP), or sometimes ethanol, to block the harmful breakdown process. In severe cases, dialysis is used to clean the blood. With fast treatment, many people recover fully, but delays can lead to permanent kidney damage or death.
Key symptoms:
Appearing drunk or confused without drinking alcoholNausea and vomitingHeadacheSlurred speechDizziness or loss of balanceExtreme tiredness or drowsinessRapid or difficult breathingDecreased urination or no urinationBack or flank pain (from kidney damage)SeizuresLoss of consciousnessMuscle twitching or spasmsSwelling in the body
Clinical phenotype terms (44)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventAntizole: FDA approved
Use for suspected or confirmed methanol poisoning, either alone or in combination with hemodialysis
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableAntizole
Use for suspected or confirmed methanol poisoning, either alone or in combination with hemodialysis
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Ethylene glycol poisoning at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Ethylene glycol poisoning.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has my kidney function been permanently affected, and how will we monitor it going forward?,Do I need dialysis now or in the future, and for how long?,Are there any long-term effects on my brain or nervous system I should watch for?,What signs of kidney problems should I watch for at home?,Are there any dietary changes I need to make to protect my kidneys?,If this was an accidental poisoning, how can I prevent it from happening again?,Should I see a mental health professional as part of my recovery?
Common questions about Ethylene glycol poisoning
What is Ethylene glycol poisoning?
Ethylene glycol poisoning happens when a person swallows ethylene glycol, a chemical found most commonly in antifreeze and some industrial products. It can also be called antifreeze poisoning. While ethylene glycol itself is not extremely toxic, the body quickly breaks it down into harmful substances that attack the kidneys, brain, and other organs. This makes it a medical emergency that can become life-threatening within hours if not treated. After swallowing ethylene glycol, a person may first seem drunk or confused, similar to alcohol intoxication. Over the next several hours, the body pro
How is Ethylene glycol poisoning inherited?
Ethylene glycol poisoning follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Ethylene glycol poisoning?
8 specialists and care centers treating Ethylene glycol poisoning are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Ethylene glycol poisoning?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Ethylene glycol poisoning. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.