Isopropanol ingestion: case report with pharmacokinetic analysis.

An unusual case of acute isopropanol overdose which occurred within the confines of the emergency department is reported. Serial serum concentrations of isopropanol and its metabolite acetone were followed for 43 hours. Pharmacokinetic analysis is presented, as well as a brief literature review of diagnosis and management. CNS toxicity was related mainly to isopropanol concentrations. The calculated half-life of isopropanol was 7.3 hours. Because of the pharmacokinetic profile of isopropanol, management decisions regarding the use of hemodialysis should be made within one to two hours of patient presentation.