Toxic dose
There is no clearly defined toxic dose of ethanol that applies to all patients. The toxic dose in an individual patient depends on genetic factors and the patient’s level of ethanol tolerance. In addition, ethanol is not usually ingested as a single dose, and metabolism, as well as ongoing absorption, occur concurrently.
If taken as a single ingestion, the potentially lethal dose of ethanol in ethanol-naive adults is 5 to 8 g/kg (6 to 10 mL/kg of pure ethanol) and in children is 3 g/kg (4 mL/kg of pure ethanol)Vogel, 1995.
If relevant, particularly in the context of a single ingestion, to calculate the mass of ethanol ingested, based on the percentage amount of ethanol in the product consumed, use the equation:
Common ethanol-containing products | Average percentage of ethanol (by volume) |
beer | 3 to 8% |
wine | 10 to 15% |
fortified wine (eg port, sherry, vermouth) | 20% |
spirits | 40 to 50% |
mouthwash | up to 75% |
cologne or perfume | 40 to 60% |
methylated spirits | 95% |
alcohol-based hand sanitiser | 60 to 95% ethanol alone or in combination with isopropyl alcohol (see also Isopropyl alcohol poisoning) |
vanilla extract | 35% |
The mass of ethanol ingested can also be approximated by determining the number of standard drinks consumed. A standard drink in Australia contains 10 g of alcohol; this is the amount in:
- 285 mL of full-strength beer
- 100 mL of wine
- 60 mL of fortified wine (eg port, sherry, vermouth)
- 30 mL of spirits.
For a visual representation of standard drinks in Australia, see the National Health and Medical Research Council Standard drinks guide.