The answer to what happens if you drink isopropyl alcohol reddit is that it can lead to serious complications. Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropanol, is a colorless chemical that is highly soluble in water. It has a bitter taste and can burn the throat when sniffed. It is used in many hand sanitizers, antifreeze, glass and jewelry cleaners and stain removers. It is commonly found in the home as a disinfectant and can be purchased from most hardware stores. It is sometimes used as a solvent to help in painting projects and for cleaning soiled clothing.
Ingesting rubbing alcohol can cause poisoning which can be fatal. The lethal dose of rubbing alcohol is usually between 1 ml to 4 ml per kilogram of body weight. A child can die if they drink enough rubbing alcohol that contains 70% isopropanol. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning from consuming rubbing alcohol include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The child can also experience seizures, brain swelling and cardiac arrest.
The main ingredient in rubbing alcohol is ethyl or ethanol which is the same as in alcoholic beverages. If the ethanol in rubbing alcohol is drunk, it can cause similar side effects such as slurred speech, loss of balance and incoordination and difficulty breathing. Inhaling rubbing alcohol, also known as huffing, can cause more serious side effects. It can damage the lungs and can cause the respiratory tract to swell up. It can also cause skin irritation, headaches, nausea and other unpleasant feelings. This type of abuse can be dangerous and should never be done.