Clinical management of Alcohol Poisoning in Uganda
Uganda Clinical Guidelines 2023 · all from source →
General Adult
Diagnosis
Clinical Features — Mild to Moderate
Smell of alcohol. Slurred speech, incoordination, ataxia. Euphoria or aggression. Nausea, vomiting.
Clinical Features — Severe
Stupor or coma. Respiratory depression. Hypoglycaemia. Hypothermia. Aspiration risk.
Treatment
Supportive Care
Place in recovery position. Monitor airway continuously — aspiration of vomit is the main cause of death. Administer oxygen if respiratory rate <8/min or SpO2 <90%.
Hypoglycaemia
Give Dextrose 50% IV 20–50 ml if unconscious. Followed by Dextrose 10% infusion. Monitor blood glucose regularly.
Vitamin Deficiency Prevention
Give Thiamine 100 mg IV before glucose (prevents Wernicke encephalopathy). In chronic alcohol users: give thiamine routinely.
Monitoring
Monitor vital signs hourly. Monitor blood glucose every 2 hours. Keep patient warm. Allow alcohol to metabolise — no specific antidote.
Referral
Refer if: unable to protect airway, Glasgow Coma Scale <8, respiratory rate <8/min, severe hypoglycaemia unresponsive to treatment.
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