Fomepizole
Generic name: fomepizole [ foe-MEP-i-zole ]
Brand name: Antizol
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 g/mL)
Drug class:Antidotes
What is fomepizole?
Fomepizole is an antidote to certain types of poison.
Fomepizole is used to treat poisoning with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) or methanol (contained in solvents, fuels, and other household or automotive chemicals). Fomepizole is sometimes used together with hemodialysis to rid the body of a poison.
Fomepizole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
In a poisoning situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received fomepizole.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive fomepizole, tell your doctor if you have:
an allergy to any drug;
kidney disease or if you are unable to urinate; or
if you recently drank alcohol.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fomepizole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether fomepizole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with fomepizole to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medicine.
How is fomepizole given?
Fomepizole is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
You may be given other medicines and IV fluids as part of your treatment.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving fomepizole. Your blood and urine will also need to be tested often during treatment, and your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
You will also be watched for any effects of the poisoning, such as problems with vision, breathing, or urination.
