Elevation of breath ethanol measurements by metered-dose inhalers.
OBJECTIVE
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) may contain as much as 38% ethanol. We evaluated the effects of ethanol-containing MDIs on breath alcohol testing.


METHODS
Prospective, single-blind, crossover, controlled study.


METHODS
Three healthy male volunteers 29 to 36 years old.


METHODS
We studied three brands: Tornalate, (38% ethanol), Bronkometer, (30% ethanol), and Alupent, (0% ethanol). The effects of each MDI on breath and blood ethanol measurements were evaluated separately. Two puffs of each brand of MDI were administered. Breath ethanol measurements were obtained at baseline and .25, .5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after MDI use. Blood ethanol measurements were obtained at baseline and 1 and 10 minutes after MDI use.


RESULTS
Overall, Tornalate had the highest breath ethanol readings, with a mean ethanol level of 189 mg/dL recorded just after MDI use. Breath ethanol levels subsequently decreased rapidly over time. Mean breath ethanol concentrations were lower after the use of Bronkometer and undetectable after the use of Alupent. Blood ethanol levels were undetectable at all times tested.


CONCLUSIONS
MDIs may cause elevations of breath alcohol above the legal criteria for intoxication. These effects are transient and may be prevented by a 10-minute interval between the use of an MDI and breath alcohol testing.
Gomez
H F
HF
Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver General Hospital, University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center, USA.
Moore
L
L
McKinney
P
P
Phillips
S
S
Guven
H
H
Brent
J
J
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007528:Isoetharine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D009921:Metaproterenol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000431:Ethanol; D009921:Metaproterenol; C011685:bitolterol; D007528:Isoetharine