ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF METHANOL POISONING: A REVIEW OF CURRENT CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Authors

  • Laura Leme de Araujo Rodrigues da Silva Author
  • Lara Tatyane Ferreira Santos Honório Author
  • Clarissa Maria Tito Beltrão Author
  • Laércio Pol Fachin Author
  • Marília Timo Pinheiro de Almeida Author
  • Isisnaldo Silva Correia Author
  • Hiago Cezar Rocha de Carvalho Author
  • Morgana Sayuri Sanomia Author
  • Danielle Lumi Kague Author
  • Caio de Lima Ferreira Author
  • Thaila Raissa da Costa Siqueira Author
  • Lana Luísa Alves da Costa Author
  • Júlio César Figueiredo de Medeiros Author
  • Thiago de Almeida Garcia Author
  • João Gonçalves Simões Filho Author
  • Lucas Rezende Author
  • Igor Augusto Lima Barbonaglia da Silva Author
  • Márcio José de Carvalho Lima Author
  • Omilto de Souza Machado Filho Author
  • Fernanda Costa Rodrigues Author
  • Lucas Cardeal Simão Ribeiro Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56238/levv16n55-052

Keywords:

Methanol Poisoning, Fomepizole, Ethanol, Hemodialysis, Clinical Toxicology, Integrative Review

Abstract

Methanol poisoning is a serious global public health problem, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates and outbreaks related to the consumption of adulterated beverages. This study aimed to identify, analyze, and synthesize recent clinical evidence on treatment strategies for methanol poisoning, with an emphasis on therapeutic and organizational advances over the last decade. This is an integrative literature review, conducted according to the steps proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The search was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Consensus Database between November and December 2025, using the descriptors “methanol poisoning,” “treatment,” “fomepizole,” “ethanol therapy,” and “hemodialysis.” A total of 216 studies were identified, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria (publications between 2013 and 2025, full text, and clinical-therapeutic focus). The evidence points to fomepizole as the first-choice antidote and early hemodialysis as a determining factor in reducing mortality and neurological sequelae. Standardized clinical protocols and multidisciplinary teams contributed to greater effectiveness and speed of care. It is concluded that this review contributes to consolidating the clinical evidence on the treatment of methanol poisoning, providing support for evidence-based practice and the formulation of public policies focused on clinical toxicology.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Barceloux, D. G., Bond, G. R., Krenzelok, E. P., Cooper, H., & Vale, J. A. (2014). American Academy of Clinical Toxicology practice guidelines on the treatment of methanol poisoning. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology, 40(4), 415–446. https://doi.org/10.1081/CLT-120006745 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1081/CLT-120006745

Paasma, R., Hovda, K. E., & Jacobsen, D. (2018). Methanol poisonings: A review of 30 years of cases in the literature. Clinical Toxicology, 56(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2017.1380187

Zakharov, S., Pelclova, D., Urban, P., et al. (2021). Outcomes of mass methanol poisonings: Predictors of long-term visual and neurological sequelae. Clinical Toxicology, 59(1), 40–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1814493

Hassanian-Moghaddam, H., Zamani, N., Pajoumand, A., & Shadnia, S. (2019). Consensus statements on the approach to patients in a mass methanol poisoning outbreak. Clinical Toxicology, 57(2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2018.1513904

Pappas, A. J., Kouta, A., & O’Brien, J. (2019). Prognostic factors in methanol intoxication: A systematic review. BMC Emergency Medicine, 19(1), 76–84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-019-0303-5

Liu, S., Zhang, X., Li, Y., & Chen, R. (2020). Clinical outcomes of early hemodialysis and antidote therapy in acute methanol poisoning. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 38(12), 2568–2574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2020.04.079 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2020.04.079

Zakharov, S., Pelclova, D., Navratil, T., et al. (2015). Hemodialysis management and outcomes in methanol poisoning: A retrospective cohort study of 150 cases. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 30(2), 175–183. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfu351 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfu351

Jacobsen, D., & McMartin, K. (2013). Antidotes for methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning: Fomepizole versus ethanol. Clinical Toxicology, 51(5), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2013.784554

Makarovsky, I., Markel, G., Dushnitsky, T., & Eisenkraft, A. (2014). Treatment of methanol poisoning: A review of current strategies and future perspectives. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 10(1), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0346-2

Zakharov, S., Urban, P., & Pelclova, D. (2018). Early hemodialysis in mass methanol outbreaks: Experience from the Czech Republic. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 36(7), 1178–1184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2018.02.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2018.02.020

Fiocruz. (2021). Surtos de intoxicação por metanol no Brasil: Relato de eventos e ações emergenciais em Santa Catarina. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Disponível em: https://www.fiocruz.br

Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). (2023). Global Report on Methanol Poisonings 2000–2023. Geneva: World Health Organization. Disponível em: https://www.who.int

Whittemore, R.; Knafl, K. The integrative review: Updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, v. 52, n. 5, p. 546–553, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x

Mendes, K. D. S.; Silveira, R. C. C. P.; Galvão, C. M. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto & Contexto Enfermagem, v. 17, n. 4, p. 758–764, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072008000400018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072008000400018

Souza, M. T.; Silva, M. D.; Carvalho, R. Revisão integrativa: o que é e como fazer. Einstein, v. 8, n. 1, p. 102–106, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-45082010RW1134 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-45082010rw1134

Brasil. Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Resolução nº 510, de 7 de abril de 2016. Dispõe sobre as normas aplicáveis a pesquisas em Ciências Humanas e Sociais. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, 24 maio 2016. Disponível em: https://conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/2016/Reso510.pdf.

Published

2025-12-11

How to Cite

DA SILVA, Laura Leme de Araujo Rodrigues et al. ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF METHANOL POISONING: A REVIEW OF CURRENT CLINICAL EVIDENCE. LUMEN ET VIRTUS, [S. l.], v. 16, n. 55, p. e10960, 2025. DOI: 10.56238/levv16n55-052. Disponível em: https://periodicos.newsciencepubl.com/LEV/article/view/10960. Acesso em: 17 feb. 2026.