Methyl Alcohol
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on July 6, 2020.
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]
Top Medications with this excipient
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 875 mg / 125 mg
- Aspirin, butalbital and caffeine 325 mg / 50 mg / 40 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 80 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Cyclophosphamide 25 mg
- Danazol 200 mg
- Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release 20 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and Olanzapine 50 mg / 12 mg
- Loxapine Succinate 25 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride SR 20 mg
- Oseltamivir Phosphate 30 mg
- Oseltamivir Phosphate 75 mg
- Phentermine Hydrochloride 30 mg
- Rifampin 300 mg
- Ritalin-SR 20 mg
- Temozolomide 140 mg
- Temozolomide 20 mg
- Tetracycline Hydrochloride 500 mg
- Tetracycline Hydrochloride 250 mg
- Ursodiol 300 mg
References
[1] Southern Chemical Corporation. Methanol Uses. Accessed 8/19/2012. http://www.southernchemical.com/wp/products/methanol/principle-uses
[2] 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.