Best method of treatment of Methyl alcohol –
**Core Concept**
Methanol poisoning is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent severe complications, including visual impairment, seizures, and even death. The underlying pharmacological principle being tested here is the use of a specific antidote to neutralize the toxic effects of methanol.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is B. Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, which is the preferred treatment for methanol poisoning. Ethanol competes with methanol for the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), thereby reducing the formation of methanol's toxic metabolites, formic acid and formaldehyde. This mechanism is crucial in preventing the severe complications associated with methanol poisoning. Ethanol is administered orally or intravenously in a ratio of 1:4 to 1:6 with methanol to effectively neutralize its toxic effects.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Calcium gluconate is used to treat hyperkalemia and calcium channel blocker overdose, not methanol poisoning.
**Option C:** Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain cases of narcolepsy, and are not relevant to the treatment of methanol poisoning.
**Option D:** 1% Ammonia is a toxic substance that can cause severe burns and respiratory damage, and is not used to treat methanol poisoning.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that fomepizole, a specific antidote for methanol poisoning, is now available and is often preferred over ethanol due to its more predictable effects and reduced risk of toxicity.
**β Correct Answer: B. Ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is the preferred treatment for methanol poisoning.**