In cases of ethylene glycol or methanol intoxication, what is the recommended treatment?

Fomepizole is the recommended treatment for ethylene glycol or methanol intoxication because it acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of both ethylene glycol and methanol into toxic metabolites. By inhibiting this enzyme, fomepizole effectively reduces the formation of harmful byproducts such as glycolic acid and formic acid, which are responsible for the metabolic acidosis and severe systemic toxicity associated with these substances.

In addition to fomepizole, supportive care including monitoring and treatment of metabolic derangements, as well as potential hemodialysis in severe cases, may be necessary to manage the patient's condition effectively. This treatment strategy is critical because timely intervention can drastically reduce the risk of organ damage and improve patient outcomes.

The other options, while they may have roles in toxicology, do not specifically address the mechanisms of ethylene glycol or methanol toxicity as effectively as fomepizole does. For example, activated charcoal may not be indicated if there is a risk of altered mental status or if the ingestion is delayed. Intravenous fluids are supportive but do not target the underlying toxicity. Anticoagulants would not be appropriate, as they do not have a