ethyl alcohol intranasal

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Mechanism of Action: 

• Disruption of lipid membranes: ethyl alcohol can disrupt membranes, including those found in the nasal epithelium. This disruption can affect the integrity and permeability of the cell membranes. 
• Protein denaturation: ethyl alcohol can denature proteins. When applied intranasally, it can interact with proteins in the nasal cavity, potentially leading to their denaturation and inactivation. This may impact the viability of microorganisms present in the nasal cavity. 

Spectrum of Activity: 

• Antimicrobial activity: ethyl alcohol exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It can effectively kill or inhibit the growth of various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By disrupting the lipid membranes and denaturing proteins of these pathogens, intranasal ethyl alcohol can help reduce their viability and prevent infection. 
• Reduction of nasal colonization: Regular use of intranasal ethyl alcohol can help reduce the colonization of potentially harmful microorganisms in the nasal cavity. By applying ethyl alcohol, it is possible to decrease the microbial load in the nasal passages, which may contribute to a lower risk of respiratory infections. 
• Virucidal activity: ethyl alcohol has been shown to have virucidal properties against many enveloped viruses. ethyl alcohol may break down the outer lipid coat of enveloped viruses like influenza and coronaviruses, making them harmless. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Erythema 

Irritation 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ethyl alcohol should avoid its intranasal use. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching and rash to severe reactions like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. 
• Nasal conditions or injuries: Intranasal ethyl alcohol should be avoided if there are pre-existing nasal conditions such as nasal ulcers, nasal polyps, nasal septum deviation, or recent nasal surgery. ethyl alcohol can irritate or damage nasal tissues, leading to further complications or delayed healing. 
• Asthma or respiratory conditions: Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to inhaling ethyl alcohol vapor. ethyl alcohol can irritate the airways, trigger respiratory symptoms, or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using intranasal ethyl alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. It is generally advisable to avoid unnecessary medication or substances during these periods unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional. 
• Children and infants: Intranasal ethyl alcohol should be used with caution in children and infants. The nasal tissues of young children may be more delicate and susceptible to irritation or damage. It is essential to consult with a paediatrician before considering the use of intranasal ethyl alcohol in this population. 
• Open wounds or broken skin: If there are any open wounds, cuts, or broken skin in the nasal cavity, ethyl alcohol intranasal should be avoided. ethyl alcohol can cause stinging or burning sensations and delay wound healing. 

Caution: 

• Proper concentration and formulation: ethyl alcohol products used intranasally should be formulated and prepared specifically for this route of administration. It is essential to use products that are intended and labeled for intranasal use, with the appropriate concentration of ethyl alcohol. Using inappropriate concentrations or formulations may increase the risk of adverse effects or harm. 
• Avoid contact with eyes: During administration, care should be taken to prevent contact between the ethyl alcohol solution and the eyes. Ethyl alcohol can cause irritation or a burning sensation if it encounters the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if necessary. 

• Temporary nasal discomfort: Some individuals may experience temporary nasal discomfort, stinging, or burning sensation when using ethyl alcohol intranasal. This is usually mild and transient. If the discomfort persists or worsens, discontinue use, and consult a healthcare professional. 

• Nasal dryness or irritation: Prolonged or excessive use of ethyl alcohol intranasal may lead to nasal dryness or irritation. If you experience persistent nasal dryness, irritation, or other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. 

• Drug interactions: ethyl alcohol may interact with certain medications. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions. 
• Discontinue if adverse effects occur: If you experience any unexpected or severe effects after using ethyl alcohol intranasal, such as increased nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, severe nasal irritation, or allergic reactions, discontinue use and seek medical attention promptly. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Pregnancy Category: C 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of ethyl alcohol is intranasal and primarily involves its local effects on the nasal tissues and potential systemic effects following absorption. Here are some critical aspects of the pharmacology of ethyl alcohol intranasal: 

Local Effects: 

• Nasal Tissue Irritation: ethyl alcohol, when applied intranasally, can cause irritation and transient discomfort in the nasal tissues. It can disrupt the lipid membranes of cells and denature proteins, leading to local effects such as vasodilation, increased blood flow, and temporary alteration of the nasal mucosa. 
• Antimicrobial activity: ethyl alcohol exhibits antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms. Disrupting the lipid membranes and denaturing proteins of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the nasal cavity can help reduce their viability and colonization. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of ethyl alcohol intranasal involves its interactions with various molecular targets and the resultant physiological and biochemical effects. Here are some critical aspects of the pharmacodynamics of ethyl alcohol intranasal:  

Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: 

• GABAergic System: ethyl alcohol enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It increases the binding of GABA to its receptors, leading to an overall inhibitory effect on neuronal activity. This results in sedation, relaxation, and the potential for decreased cognitive function and impaired coordination. 
• Glutamatergic System: ethyl alcohol inhibits the activity of excitatory glutamate receptors, reducing the overall excitability of neurons. This can contribute to the sedative and depressant effects of ethyl alcohol. 
• Vasodilation and Blood Flow: ethyl alcohol has vasodilatory effects on blood vessels. When applied intranasally, it can cause temporary dilation of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, leading to increased blood flow to the area. This effect may contribute to the transient redness and warmth often experienced after intranasal application. 

Local Tissue Effects: 

• Lipid Membrane Disruption: ethyl alcohol can disrupt the lipid membranes of cells, including those in the nasal tissues. This disruption affects the integrity and permeability of the cell membranes, potentially leading to cell function and viability changes. 

• Protein Denaturation: ethyl alcohol can denature proteins. When applied intranasally, it can interact with proteins in the nasal cavity, potentially leading to their denaturation and inactivation. This may impact the viability of microorganisms present in the nasal cavity. 
• Antimicrobial Effects: ethyl alcohol exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. By disrupting the lipid membranes and denaturing proteins of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it can effectively kill or inhibit the growth of these microorganisms in the nasal cavity. 
• Irritation and Sensation: ethyl alcohol can cause temporary irritation, stinging, or burning sensation when applied intranasally. This sensation is due to its effects on nerve endings and sensory receptors in the nasal mucosa. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Intranasal Route: ethyl alcohol applied intranasally is primarily absorbed through the nasal mucosa. The nasal mucosa is highly vascularized, allowing for relatively rapid absorption of ethyl alcohol into the bloodstream.  

Distribution 

Systemic Distribution: Once absorbed, ethyl alcohol is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It readily crosses cell membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to affect various organs and tissues.  

Metabolism 

• Liver Metabolism: ethyl alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver through the actions of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and other enzymes. ADH converts ethyl alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is further metabolized by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) into acetate. Acetate can be metabolized into carbon dioxide and water or used as an energy source by various tissues. 
• Variability: The rate of ethyl alcohol metabolism varies among individuals. It is generally metabolized relatively constantly, often called a “standard drink” per hour. Factors such as genetics, liver health, and concurrent use of medications or substances can influence the rate of metabolism.

Elimination and Excretion 

• Elimination: ethyl alcohol and its metabolites are primarily eliminated from the body through exhalation, urine, and sweat. Around 90% of ethyl alcohol is metabolized and eliminated, with only a tiny fraction excreted unchanged through breath, urine, and sweat. 
• Rate: The elimination of ethyl alcohol follows zero-order kinetics, where a constant amount is eliminated per unit of time. It takes about one hour to eliminate the alcohol content of one standard drink from the body. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Preparation: 

• Ethyl Alcohol Solution: Prepare an ethyl alcohol solution suitable for intranasal use. The concentration and formulation may vary depending on the specific product or recommendation from a healthcare professional. It is essential to use a solution specifically labeled and intended for intranasal use.

Positioning: 

Position the individual in an upright or slightly tilted-back position. This allows more accessible access to the nasal cavity and facilitates administration. 

Application: 

• Nasal Drops or Spray: Gently tilt the head back slightly and insert the dropper or nozzle of the spray bottle into one nostril. 
• Dosage: Administer the recommended dosage of ethyl alcohol intranasal solution as directed by a healthcare professional or following the instructions on the product label. 
• Administration in the Other Nostril: Repeat the process for the other nostril, if necessary. 

Inhalation and Absorption: 

After administration, inhale gently through the nose to facilitate the distribution of the solution throughout the nasal cavity. 

The ethyl alcohol solution is absorbed through the nasal mucosa and enters the bloodstream. 

Disposal and Cleanliness:  

After administration, discard any unused solution appropriately. 

Clean the dropper or spray bottle with water or per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain hygiene. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  ethyl alcohol intranasal 

Why do we use ethyl alcohol intranasal? 

ethyl alcohol intranasal is primarily focused on its antiseptic and decongestant properties. Here are some common uses of ethyl alcohol intranasal: 

• Nasal Sanitization: ethyl alcohol intranasal solution is used for nasal Sanitization to help reduce the colonization of microorganisms in the nasal cavity. It can be used as a preventive measure to decrease the risk of respiratory infections, particularly in settings with a high potential for exposure to pathogens (e.g., healthcare facilities, crowded environments). 
• Nasal Decongestion: ethyl alcohol intranasal may be used as a nasal decongestant temporarily. The solution acts by causing blood vessel dilation and improving nasal airflow. However, it is essential to note that prolonged or excessive use of nasal decongestants, including ethyl alcohol, may lead to a rebound effect and worsening of symptoms. 
• Preoperative Nasal Preparation: ethyl alcohol intranasal solution can be used as part of preoperative nasal preparation to reduce the bacterial load in the nasal cavity before surgical procedures. This helps minimize the risk of surgical site infections.