Use of fructose in the treatment of acute alcoholic intoxication.

The literature concerning the use of fructose to lower ethanol blood levels in acute alcoholic intoxication is reviewed. Studies indicate that 500 ml of a 40% infusion of fructose solution given over a 30-minute period can increase the rate of decline of ethanol blood levels by 25%. The recommended daily dosage is one to three liters of a 10% solution. Lactic acidosis is a potentially serious side effect of large doses of fructose. The lack of controlled clinical studies or other convincing evidence makes the routine use of fructose to treat acute alcoholic intoxication inadvisable.