Ethanol
Ethanol is an antiseptic and disinfectant used for skin disinfection before medical procedures and hand hygiene in healthcare settings. At concentrations of 60-90%, it effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. While commonly used as a topical disinfectant, it is also employed for disinfecting medical instruments and equipment.
Ethanol is a widely-used antiseptic and disinfectant for skin and equipment sterilization in medical settings.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- unclassified
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Ethanol
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- Avagard
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- liquid, gel, foam, spray
- Regions
- US, CA, GB, AU, DE, FR, JP
- Monitoring
- skin reactions
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
avoid ethanol use during first trimester; known risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental abnormalities
regular fetal ultrasound and growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
continue to avoid ethanol use during second trimester
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
avoid ethanol use in third trimester; can cause fetal toxicity and withdrawal at birth
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not applicableavoid completely
ethanol passes into breast milk; avoid breastfeeding for at least 2-3 hours after consumption
monitor infant for sedation and poor feeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended for pediatric use
ethanol should not be administered to children due to increased sensitivity and toxicity risk
close monitoring for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
over 65 yearsuse lowest effective dose, extend dosing interval
elderly patients have decreased metabolism and increased sensitivity; use with caution
monitor for CNS depression, falls, and cognitive impairment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateadjust dose based on renal function
ethanol is primarily metabolized by liver but renal impairment may affect excretion of metabolites
monitor renal function and for accumulation of metabolic byproducts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
ethanol is metabolized in the liver; severe hepatic impairment significantly impairs metabolism
monitor liver function tests and for signs of hepatic encephalopathy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid
chronic alcohol users have tolerance but increased risk of dependence and organ damage
monitor for signs of dependence, liver function, and withdrawal
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
Historical pharmaceutical usage information
Drug class
Classification as pharmaceutical excipient and antiseptic agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications
Used for surgical site skin preparation, pre-injection disinfection, hand sanitization, and disinfection of medical instruments and surfaces. Also used as an antidote for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning.
Ethanol exerts its antimicrobial effects by denaturing proteins and disrupting the lipid cell membranes of microorganisms. It is effective against most bacteria, many viruses, and fungi, though not effective against bacterial spores.
Highly flammable and must be stored away from heat sources. For topical use only at recommended concentrations; concentrated ethanol can cause skin dryness and irritation. Not effective as a sporicide and should not be used on open wounds or damaged skin. When used as a poison antidote, it requires careful medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy