Description
Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have similar physical properties and uses. Their chemical structures differ by only one methyl group (ethylene glycol = HOCH2CH2OH; propylene glycol = CH3CH[OH]CH2OH).
Ethylene glycol is a potent cause of acute toxicity in humans. In contrast, propylene glycol is a “generally recognized as safe” additive for foods and medications.
Most reported cases of glycol toxicity have resulted from propylene glycol used as a diluent for intravenous administration of benzodiazepines
uses Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA 2017) for uses in
- food and tobacco products,
- pharmaceuticals, and
- cosmetics.
It has a wide range of other practical applications
- deicers,
- coolants,
- antifreeze,
- heat transfer and hydraulic fluids,
- plasticizers, and
- other applications (smoke screen, smoke simulator, etc.).
Sources of Exposure
In the general population, glycol exposure occurs primarily through ingestion of food and medications and through skin contact with cosmetics or topical medications. glycol is used as a solvent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, in various
- oral,
- injectable, and
- topical formulations.
glycol is a diluent found in many intravenous and oral drugs, including
- phenytoin,
- diazepam, and
- lorazepam.
No adverse health effects are likely to occur from normal use of these products. However, heavy use of injectable medications with glycol has caused excess levels of glycol in the body (Horinek et al. 2009; Louis et al. Prolonged and extensive topical application on compromised skin, such as burns, has also caused excess glycol levels.
Toxicological Effects at a Glance
Although propylene glycol is a commonly used solvent for intravenous medications, it might become toxic when administered in large doses over a short period. Iatrogenic glycol overdose can cause the following:
- Hyperosmolality and an anion gap metabolic acidosis, often accompanied by acute kidney injury, and potential multisystem organ failure Wilson et al.
- Refractory hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Hemolysis
- Renal dysfunction .
- Seizure, coma
Pediatric patients also might develop CNS depression and seizures.
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