Chemical formula: C₂H₆O Molecular mass: 46.068 g/mol PubChem compound: 702
Primary and continuous depressant of the central nervous system. It has a depressant action on the vasomotor-centre.
Alcohol injected hypodermically causes considerable pain followed by anaesthesia. If the injection is made close to the nerves, neuritis and nerve degeneration may occur. Injections in or near nerves are deliberately used to cause anaesthesia of protracted or even permanent character in the treatment of severe pain, for example, in tic doulourex.
Alcohol blocks conduction in peripheral nerve by decreasing the maximal values of both the sodium and potassium conductances. The resting potential usually becomes slightly less negative.
Alcohol is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It readily crosses the placenta.
Alcohol is mainly metabolised in the liver and is converted by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde and is then further oxidised to acetate. A hepatic microsomal oxidising system is also involved. About 90% to 98% of alcohol is oxidised and the remainder is excreted unchanged by the kidneys and the lungs and also in breast milk, saliva, sweat and other secretions.
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