Get to know Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol and their Impact

Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are chemicals that have a toxic or toxic effect if consumed in excess of safe limits. Poisoning these chemicals can cause digestive disorders to acute kidney failure.

Ethylene glycol (ethylene glycol) is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid. Ethylene glycol is most often used as an antifreeze (antifreeze) in vehicle radiators. However, this substance is also used as a solvent in industry and household products.

Get to know Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol and their Impact

Meanwhile, diethylene glycol (diethylene glycol) has characteristics that are not much different from ethylene glycol. Basically, diethylene glycol consists of two molecules of ethylene glycol attached to each other.

Diethylene glycol is widely used in household products. However, this substance can also be used as a solvent in syrup medicine to replace glycerin because it is cheaper. Unlike glycerin, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol can cause poisoning if consumed in excess of safe limits.

Effects of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol Poisoning

BPOM has set requirements at the time of drug registration in Indonesia. All syrup drug products for children and adults circulating in Indonesia are not allowed to use ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG).

However, contamination of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol may occur in drugs that use propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, and glycerin or glycerol as solvents. The four additional ingredients are not hazardous materials or materials that are prohibited from being used in the manufacture of syrup drugs.

According to Indonesian standards, the safe threshold or tolerable daily intake (TDI) for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol contamination is 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day. Consumption exceeding TDI can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning can occur if you ingest, inhale, or come into contact with these chemicals. However, severe toxic effects, including atypical progressive acute renal failure, may occur if large quantities of the chemical are ingested.

After ingestion, ethylene glycol only takes about 1–4 hours to be absorbed by the body and then converted into toxic compounds. Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning will appear gradually within 72 hours of ingestion of the substance. The following are the stages of ethylene glycol poisoning:

Stage I

Within 30 minutes to 12 hours after ethylene glycol is ingested, there is a decrease in central nervous system function and digestive disturbances. Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning at this stage are:

  • Dizzy
  • Headache
  • Speech disorders
  • Daze
  • Disorder of coordination of arm and leg movements (ataxia)
  • Rapid and repetitive involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
  • Flustering, especially in children
  • Nausea and vomiting

Stage II

Within 12–48 hours after ingestion of ethylene glycol, poisoned patients begin to show symptoms of metabolic acidosis due to accumulation of toxic substances resulting from the metabolism of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

Crystals of calcium oxalate which is also a product of ethylene glycol metabolism can accumulate in the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys, resulting in impaired function of these organs.

At this stage, patients will experience shortness of breath, increased heart rate, hypertension or hypotension, pulmonary edema, seizures, and heart failure. Reduced frequency of urination (oliguria) can be an early sign of acute kidney failure

Stage III

Within 1–3 days after ingestion of ethylene glycol, patients with ethylene glycol poisoning may develop symptoms of acute renal failure. This condition is characterized by infrequent or even no urination (anuria).

The effects of diethylene glycol poisoning are not much different from those described above. Diethylene glycol poisoning can also cause indigestion, metabolic acidosis, neurological disorders, and kidney and liver damage.

Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol Poisoning Treatment

If not treated immediately, atypical progressive acute renal failure due to ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning can lead to death. Therefore, the handling of this poisoning must be done in a hospital with the aim of cleaning the poison from the body.

The following are some treatments that may be performed by doctors on patients with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning:

1. Administration of intravenous fluids

Intravenous fluids are given to treat metabolic acidosis and improve electrolyte levels in the body. In addition, infusion can also inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys

2. Giving oantidote

Fomepizole or ethanol as an antidote or antidote can be given to slow down the formation of toxic compounds in the body. It should be noted that the administration of active charcoal does not help overcome poisoning caused by ingesting ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

3. Administration of seizure medication

In patients who have seizures, the doctor will give benzodiazepines to treat seizures.

4. Dialysis

Dialysis procedures or dialysis are performed to remove toxins from the blood in cases of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning. This procedure is also required by people who have experienced acute kidney failure due to poisoning of these substances.

Prevention of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol Poisoning

To reduce the risk of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning, which are contaminants in drugs, you are advised to be vigilant, be a smart consumer, and always pay attention to the following points before taking the drug:

  • Purchase and obtain drugs only at official facilities, namely pharmacies, drug stores, health centers, health clinics, or the nearest hospital
  • Purchase drugs online can only be done at pharmacies that already have a Pharmacy Electronic System Operator (PSEF) permit
  • Always read and check the packaging label, composition, marketing authorization, and expiration date before buying or using the drug
  • Always take medication according to the dosage and doctor's directions
  • Consult a doctor if you are still unsure about the correct way to take the medicine

The increase in cases of acute kidney failure in children suspected to be related to ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol poisoning has caused a temporary cessation of prescribing and distribution of drugs in syrup preparations. However, you don't have to worry because there are many alternative treatments that can be given to overcome your complaints and your little one.

If you or your child has recently taken medication, especially syrup, and experience symptoms that suggest ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol poisoning, do not delay going to the emergency room or the nearest hospital to get treatment from a doctor.

Label : Health cat_Health

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