Paclitaxel formulation as a cause of ethanol intoxication.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of ethyl alcohol intoxication associated with paclitaxel administration.


METHODS
A patient who received a 3-hour paclitaxel infusion for metastatic breast carcinoma and developed symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication. A blood ethanol concentration drawn at the end of the paclitaxel infusion was 97.8 mg/dL (0.098%).


CONCLUSIONS
The amount of alcohol contained in paclitaxel is discussed. A review of the literature revealed one patient series where the highest blood alcohol concentration was one-third that seen in our patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should recognize the potential for alcohol intoxication with paclitaxel administration. This is especially pertinent when higher doses are given over a short period of time.
Wilson
D B
DB
Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise, ID 83712, USA.
Beck
T M
TM
Gundlach
C A
CA
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012997:Solvents
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012997:Solvents; D000431:Ethanol; D017239:Paclitaxel