Drinking Rubbing Alcohol | Dangers & Effects

Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers contain high levels of isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol. In fact, these products contain 70% isopropanol.

The ingestion of rubbing alcohol can lead to alcohol toxicity and should not be used in place of alcoholic beverages. Under no circumstance should someone drink isopropyl alcohol as it poses serious health risks to those who consume it.

The Purpose Of Rubbing Alcohol

You can likely find a bottle of rubbing alcohol at any store you visit. Many people use isopropyl alcohol for antiseptic emergencies only, such as when a child scrapes their knee playing outdoors or if you make a cut in your skin during dinner prep. 

Rubbing alcohol is also used in small doses to remove blemishes on certain products. It can also be useful as a solvent or cleaner. Isopropyl alcohol is used to make a variety of products, including:

• lacquers
• mouthwash
• dyes
• pharmaceuticals
• disinfectants
• cleaners
• antifreeze
• cosmetics
• nail polish removers
• skin and hair products
• perfumes

Types Of Alcohol: Rubbing Alcohol Vs. Drinking Alcohol

The reason why isopropyl alcohol is so dangerous is that, when imbibed, it is rapidly absorbed and the body breaks down the isopropyl into carbon dioxide, formate, and acetone. 

Because of the rapid absorption, your body will have high levels of acetone, which is a central nervous system depressant and toxic chemical found in nail polish removers.

The alcohol found in wine, beer, and liquor is known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol. The chemical makeup of rubbing alcohol is vastly different from that of regular alcohol. 

Dangers Of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

Even drinking a small amount of rubbing alcohol can be dangerous, potentially leading to isopropyl alcohol poisoning due to the fact that this type of alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. 

Within 30 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion, your blood levels will likely peak. Drinking isopropyl, whether in small amounts, or large amounts is a sign of alcohol abuse. 

Not Meant For Human Consumption

Isopropyl alcohol is not meant for human consumption. However, those with an alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder may become desperate for alcohol, turning to the only form of alcohol in their home, rubbing alcohol. 

Whether on purpose or accidentally, if you find that yourself or a loved one has drunk a large amount of rubbing alcohol, seek medical attention and contact poison control right away. 

Side Effects Of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

When imbibed, isopropyl alcohol can cause a wide range of side effects that may include:

• stomach pain
• low blood pressure
• irritation of the digestive tract
• burning of the esophagus
• ​sedation
• slurred speech
• ​internal bleeding
• fluctuations in body temperature

Severe Effects

In severe cases of rubbing alcohol abuse, devastating consequences may occur, such as:

• organ damage which may require dialysis
• hypothermia
• rubbing alcohol poisoning
• coma
• death

This is what happens if you drink rubbing alcohol. Contact the poison control center if you suspect that you or someone else are having problems due to alcohol addiction.

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, our treatment centers can help. To learn about our addiction treatment options, including detox support, please contact us today.