title: Alcohol intoxication and the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
abstract: Although acute alcohol intoxication can cause death, hepatic metabolism of ethanol is usually rapid, and in most cases general supportive care of the intoxicated patient is all that is required. Abrupt cessation of prolonged excessive alcohol intake gives rise to the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The fundamentals of treatment are careful assessment of the patient and judicious use of a benzodiazepine.
mesh_terms: D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013831:Thiamine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010672:Phenytoin; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide; D011433:Propranolol; D013831:Thiamine