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Antidote / sclerosant

Alcohol (ethanol)

Brand names: Ethanol injection

Alcohol (ethanol) is used medically as an antiseptic and skin disinfectant, as a solvent and excipient in formulations, and occasionally therapeutically, for example in dehydrated alcohol injections for nerve ablation.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Ethanol denatures proteins and disrupts microbial cell membranes giving antiseptic activity; in tissue ablation it causes protein precipitation and local tissue destruction.

Prescribing in practice

  • Alcohol-based skin preparations are flammable and must be allowed to dry fully before diathermy or other ignition sources to avoid surgical fires.
  • Avoid application to broken skin or mucous membranes where systemic absorption or irritation may occur, and avoid contact with the eyes.
  • Be aware that ethanol present as an excipient may be clinically relevant in neonates, in pregnancy and in patients avoiding alcohol.

Monitoring

Monitoring is generally not required for topical antiseptic use; assess the treated site for irritation or sensitivity.

Counselling the patient

  • Alcohol skin solutions are flammable; let the skin dry fully before any procedure.
  • Keep away from the eyes and broken skin.
  • Store away from naked flames.

Evidence & guidelines

Alcohol-based skin antisepsis is a long-standing standard for skin preparation supported by infection-control guidance and the relevant product information.

Reference: TOXBASE/NPIS; AACT position paper; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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