Aldehyde (Acetaldehyde, Paraldehyde, Me-Taldehyde)

Aldehydes have psychotropic (narcotic), neurotoxic, locally irritating and hepatotoxic effects.

When taken orally, salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, drowsiness, tremors, tonic convulsions, coma, respiratory depression, jaundice, enlargement and tenderness of the liver are observed.

When inhaling vapors, severe irritation of the conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract occurs, a sharp cough, suffocation, impaired consciousness, and in severe cases, coma.

Treatment includes:

1. Gastric lavage with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution.

2. Forced diuresis.

3. For convulsions - 2 ml of 0.5% diazepam solution.

Symptomatic therapy is also provided.