Propylene Glycol Poisoning From Excess Whiskey Ingestion

In this report, we describe a case of high anion gap metabolic acidosis with a significant osmolal gap attributed to the ingestion of liquor containing propylene glycol. Recently, several reports have characterized severe lactic acidosis occurring in the setting of iatrogenic unintentional overdosin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:JIM - high impact case reports 2015-09, Vol.3
Main Authors: Courtney A. Cunningham MD, Kevin Ku DO, Gloria R. Sue MD
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:In this report, we describe a case of high anion gap metabolic acidosis with a significant osmolal gap attributed to the ingestion of liquor containing propylene glycol. Recently, several reports have characterized severe lactic acidosis occurring in the setting of iatrogenic unintentional overdosing of medications that use propylene glycol as a diluent, including lorazepam and diazepam. To date, no studies have explored potential effects of excess propylene glycol in the setting of alcohol intoxication. Our patient endorsed drinking large volumes of cinnamon flavored whiskey, which was likely Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. To our knowledge, this is the first case of propylene glycol toxicity from an intentional ingestion of liquor containing propylene glycol.
ISSN:2324-7096
DOI:10.1177/2324709615603722