What is the main treatment focus for methanol poisoning?

The primary treatment focus for methanol poisoning is the administration of IV ethanol. Ethanol acts as a competitive antagonist to methanol and effectively inhibits the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is responsible for the conversion of methanol into its toxic metabolites, formaldehyde and formic acid. By using ethanol, the levels of these harmful metabolites can be reduced, thereby mitigating the toxic effects associated with methanol ingestion. Additionally, because ethanol is metabolized in a similar fashion to methanol but is less toxic, it provides a safer pathway for the body to process the alcohol.

In cases of methanol poisoning, medical management may also include supportive care and possible hemodialysis in severe cases, but the immediate therapeutic intervention to prevent the further metabolism of methanol fundamentally relies on IV ethanol administration.