Alcohol 70 percent: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Functionality and usability

What is 70 percent alcohol for?

70 percent alcohol is a solution that has multiple functions. This medicine can kill or prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin.

This solution can be used for several medical purposes, such as:

Antiseptic

Its antibacterial properties make alcohol useful as an antiseptic for minor and moderate wounds. In addition, a 70 percent alcohol solution can also be used to prevent infections caused by needle stick punctures.

Postoperative nausea relief

A study contained in Cochrane shows that the alcohol solution is considered effective in overcoming the nausea that occurs after surgery. In fact, alcohol can relieve nausea symptoms 50 percent faster than ordinary drugs, such as ondansetron (Zofran).

Smelling 70 percent alcohol can help relieve nausea. You can dip or dampen a cotton ball in alcohol and inhale the aroma.

Disinfectant

Alcohol solutions can also be used as a disinfectant, especially for medical devices such as scissors, syringes, and thermometers.

70 percent alcohol may be used for other conditions not listed here. For further questions regarding the use of this solution, you can consult your doctor or other medical team.

How do I use 70 percent alcohol?

70 percent alcohol is a topical drug. That is, it is only intended for external use and should not be drunk or exposed to the eyes.

To use 70% alcohol, pour a small amount on a cotton ball. Rub or blend into the body part you want.

After using this medication, avoid rinsing with water as it removes alcohol.

It is important for you to know that alcohol is a flammable substance. Avoid using this solution around heat sources, fire, or while smoking.

How to store this drug?

70 percent alcohol is a drug that is best stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight, heat, and humid places. Don't keep it in the shower or freeze it on freezer .

70% alcohol has been produced by various manufacturers. There may be differences in storage rules. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush 70 percent alcohol down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment with 70 percent alcohol

In what forms and dosage is this drug available?

70 percent alcohol is available as a solution.

What is the 70 percent alcohol dose?

Use the alcohol solution according to the instructions and regulations on the packaging label, or according to the instructions and prescriptions from your doctor. Do not use this medication for longer than the recommended time.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of using 70 percent alcohol?

As with any topical medication, alcohol solutions may cause side effects in some people. The severity and symptoms of side effects may vary.

However, it is important that you consult your doctor if you have any problems after using this medicine.

A possible side effect is a burning sensation in the area exposed to alcohol. In addition, it is possible that 70 percent alcohol can trigger an allergic reaction.

Immediately stop using this drug and contact a doctor if there is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic), with symptoms such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What are the things you need to know before using 70 percent alcohol?

Before deciding to use 70% alcohol, you need to pay attention to several things. The following conditions must be considered:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with this solution.

Drug interactions can make the risk of side effects increase or the performance of the drug to be ineffective / decreased.

Also inform the doctor about other diseases or health conditions that you are suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug allergy, especially to 70 percent alcohol or any other ingredients in this medicine. Also, get checked to see if you have any other allergies, for example to certain foods, dyes, or animals.

Is this drug safe for use by pregnant and lactating women?

70% alcohol should be used by pregnant women, women who are trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding mothers only if the benefits of this medicine are considered to outweigh the possible risks.

Therefore, always consult your doctor about using an alcohol solution while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What drugs might interact with 70 percent alcohol?

Drug interactions can change the potency of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.

Keep a list of all medications, both prescription and nonprescription, and the herbal products you take. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions that exist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

The following are drugs that may interact with alcohol solutions:

• benzoyl peroxide
• resorcinol
• salicylic acid (salicylic acid)
• sulfur
• tretinoin
• other topical medicines

Are there foods or drinks that can interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect alcohol use 70 percent. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or drug overdose, immediately contact the local emergency services (118) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The following are symptoms of a drug overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to use 70 percent alcohol, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearing the schedule for using the next drug, just ignore the missed dose.

Continue to use the medication according to the original schedule. Do not double the dose of the drug in one use.