Paclitaxel Formulation as a Cause of Ethanol Intoxication

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of ethyl alcohol intoxication associated with paclitaxel administration.

CASE SUMMARY:

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%).

DISCUSSION:

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.