What is Antizol (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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Antizol (Fomepizole)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fomepizole.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby and is not recommended in pregnant women unless clearly needed.

It is not known whether fomepizole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

In a poisoning situation, it may not be possible to tell your caregivers that you are pregnant or breast-feeding before you are treated with fomepizole. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received the medication.

Antizol Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects (some are effects of the poison and not of fomepizole):

• burning, swelling, or skin changes where the medicine was injected
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• fast or slow heart rate, feeling like you may pass out; or
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash
• heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, or headache
• metallic taste in your mouth
• hangover feeling
• back pain
• sore throat
• ringing in your ears; or
• changes in vision, changes in smell or taste senses

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Antizol Interactions

What other drugs affect Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Tell your doctor if you have recently used any of the following drugs:

• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• cimetidine (Tagamet); or
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)

There may be other drugs that can affect fomepizole. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

What should I avoid while taking Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you are treated with fomepizole.

Antizol Dosage

How should I take Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Fomepizole is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and each dose can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood and urine will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with fomepizole. You will also be watched for any effects of the poisoning, such as problems with vision, breathing, or urination.

What happens if I overdose on Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, or a spinning sensation.

What happens if I miss a dose of Antizol (Fomepizole)?

Since fomepizole is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com