Methyl Alcohol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 4, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Methyl alcohol is a flammable, toxic, mobile liquid, used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and in chemical manufacture. Ingestion of methyl alcohol may result in severe acidosis, visual impairment, and other effects on the central nervous system. Synonyms of methyl alcohol include methanol, wood alcohol, and wood spirit. Methyl alcohol (CH3OH) is a light, colorless, flammable liquid at room temperature. It used in the manufacture of formaldehyde and acetic acid, in chemical synthesis, in antifreeze, and as a solvent. Ingestion of methanol is toxic and may cause blindness and death. Methanol is also a naturally occurring substance, produced by living organisms, and manufactured from a variety of organic and inorganic sources. In industry, methanol is also used to produce chemicals used to manufacture polyester fabrics and fibers, acrylic plastics, pesticides, textile solvents, pharmaceuticals, and windshield wiper fluid. It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of cholesterol, streptomycin, vitamins, hormones, and other pharmaceuticals.[1][2]
Some examples of medications containing Methyl Alcohol
- Allegra-D 24 Hour 180 mg / 240 mg
- Aspirin, Butalbital and caffeine 325 mg / 50 mg / 40 mg
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride 80 mg
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride 40 mg
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride 100 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 80 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Budesonide Delayed Release 3 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 40 mg
- Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene 25 mg / 37.5 mg
- Oseltamivir Phosphate 75 mg (base)
- Phentermine Hydrochloride 37.5 mg
- Temozolomide 100 mg
- Tetracycline Hydrochloride 500 mg
References
- Southern Chemical Corporation. Methanol Uses. Accessed 8/19/2012. http://www.southernchemical.com/wp/products/methanol/principle-uses
- Methanol Institute. Methanol Basics. Accessed 8/19/2012. http://www.methanol.org/Methanol-Basics.aspx
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.