The Ministry of Health is expanding the stock of pharmaceutical ethanol in response to Brazil’s 59 notifications related to methanol poisoning as of Thursday afternoon, as Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, reported during a press conference. Among these, 11 cases have laboratory confirmation of methanol presence. The breakdown by state includes 53 cases in São Paulo, 5 in Pernambuco, and 1 in the Federal District.
Padilha also mentioned the establishment of a stock of pharmaceutical ethanol in federal university hospitals and the purchase of 4,300 ampoules to ensure availability in any reference center or healthcare facility lacking the product. He stated, ‘We already have a stock of this product, and we are expanding it. We are procuring an additional 4,300 ampoules, which will be available to any state, reference center, or healthcare facility lacking pharmaceutical ethanol.’ Various states already purchase this product and have it on hand. For those states, and municipal and state health departments without it, they can access these stocks concentrated in university hospitals, which can be promptly distributed.
Methanol, an alcohol used in industry in solvents and other chemical products, is highly dangerous when ingested. It initially affects the liver, transforming into toxic substances that impair the bone marrow, brain, and optic nerve, potentially causing blindness, coma, and even death. Methanol poisoning can also lead to lung and kidney failure. Pharmaceutical ethanol acts as an antidote by preventing methanol from converting into formic acid, an even more toxic substance.
Padilha emphasized the urgent use of pharmaceutical ethanol in suspected methanol poisoning cases. By competing with methanol during metabolism, pharmaceutical ethanol can reduce the effects, potentially preventing death, as well as long-term complications. Healthcare professionals are required to inquire about the substances consumed by patients to identify the source of contaminated drinks. In response to the rising cases of methanol poisoning, a ‘situation room’ was established in Brasília to monitor and coordinate the necessary actions.
The technical team at the situation room comprises representatives from the Ministries of Health, Justice and Public Security, Agriculture and Livestock, as well as the National Health Council, the National Council of Health Secretaries, the National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), and Health Departments of São Paulo and Pernambuco.
In São Paulo, there has been a confirmed death due to methanol poisoning linked to the ingestion of adulterated beverages. Investigations are ongoing for five other deaths in the state. Individuals affected by these incidents share their stories of life-altering consequences following the consumption of contaminated drinks, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and preventive measures.
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