Which of the following antidote is used in methyl alcohol poisoning?
**Core Concept**
Methyl alcohol (methanol) poisoning occurs when methanol is ingested, causing severe metabolic acidosis, visual disturbances, and even death. The antidote for methanol poisoning works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting methanol to its toxic metabolites.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The antidote for methanol poisoning is Ethanol (Option C) or Fomepizole (Option B), but the most effective and commonly used antidote is Fomepizole. Fomepizole inhibits the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts methanol to its toxic metabolites, formic acid and formaldehyde. By inhibiting this enzyme, Fomepizole reduces the formation of these toxic metabolites, thereby mitigating the toxic effects of methanol.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, not methanol poisoning.
**Option D:** Activated charcoal may be used to treat methanol poisoning as an adjunct therapy, but it is not the primary antidote.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of methanol poisoning, it is essential to monitor for visual disturbances, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac arrhythmias. The antidote should be administered promptly, and hemodialysis may be required to remove the toxic metabolites from the body.
**Correct Answer: B. Fomepizole**