Pharmacologic Substance
ethanol
eth·a·nol
Brand Names:
Avagard; BD Persist
Effect:
Cell Membrane Alteration
May Treat:
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
More Information:
Definitions related to ethanol:
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(alcohol) A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor, and some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants). Alcohol contains a carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group (a molecule made of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom).NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(alcohol) A volatile liquid prepared by fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, a diuretic, and a disinfectant. Although the exact mechanism of CNS depression is unknown, alcohol may act by inhibiting the opening of calcium channels, mediated by the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) to GABA-A receptors, or through inhibitory actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Alcohol inhibits the production of antidiuretic hormone, thereby producing diuresis that may lead to dehydration. This agent kills organisms by denaturing their proteins.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(alcohol) If you are like many Americans, you drink alcohol at least occasionally. For many people, moderate drinking is probably safe. But drinking too much can be harmful, so it's important to know how alcohol affects you and how much is too much. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it is a drug that slows down brain activity. It can change your mood, behavior, and self-control. It can cause problems with memory and thinking clearly. Alcohol can also affect your coordination and physical control. Alcohol also has effects on the other organs in your body. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you drink too much at once, it could make you throw up. Why are the effects of alcohol different from person to person? Alcohol's effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including: How much you drank; How quickly you drank it; The amount of food you ate before drinking; Your age; Your sex; Your race or ethnicity; Your physical condition; Whether or not you have a family history of alcohol problems.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Two carbon primary alcohol formed by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates or by synthesis from ethylene; it is a clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body; it has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant; it is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant. Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma, and death. Genetics and personal characteristics may play a part in the development of alcohol-related disorders.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Ethanol, a member of a class of organic compounds that are given the general name alcohols; its molecular formula is C2H5OH. Ethanol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and as an additive to automotive gasoline (forming a...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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