Pará receives medication for methanol poisoning treatment
Medication must be administered under medical supervision, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health
The State Department of Public Health of Pará (Sespa) received, this Friday (10), the first shipment of the medication fomepizole, sent by the Ministry of Health (MS). The drug is considered the main antidote in the treatment of methanol poisoning, a condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
A total of 2,500 vials of fomepizole were acquired by the federal government, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The distribution occurs proportionally among the States, taking into account population criteria and urgent situations.
According to Technical Note No. 459/2025-CGAFME/DAF/SECTICS/MS from the Ministry of Health, the medication will be stored in the Pharmaceutical Supply Centers of the state health departments, being available to hospital units for use according to clinical demand.
The director of the Pharmaceutical Assistance Department of Sespa, Larisse Oliveira, highlighted the importance of the rapid availability of the antidote. “Early administration is indicated in the presence of clinical suspicion or diagnostic confirmation, especially when there are symptoms compatible with the toxic condition. The treatment includes the use of the specific antidote and intensive support in specialized units,” she explained.
Controlled use
Fomepizole can only be administered under medical supervision, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health. According to infectious disease physician Vânia Brilhante, from the Patient Safety Management and Strategy Center (NEGESP/Sespa), the medication is essential because it inhibits the formation of toxic methanol metabolites, such as formaldehyde and formic acid.
“These metabolites are the main responsible for the severe effects of poisoning, such as blindness, organ failure, and even death,” warned the physician. “The medication is administered intravenously in the hospital. The first dose is given at the beginning of treatment, followed by additional doses every 12 hours for a few days, depending on the clinical picture and laboratory tests,” she added.
How fomepizole acts in the body
Fomepizole works by blocking the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts methanol into highly toxic substances. By preventing this conversion, the medication significantly reduces damage to the body, which includes neurological damage, irreversible blindness, and failure of vital organs.
Active surveillance
Sespa reports that there are currently no cases of methanol poisoning registered in Pará. However, the State maintains permanent surveillance, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, working in an integrated manner with various levels of SUS management, control agencies, and civil society, to prevent and detect threats to public health early.
“The arrival of fomepizole in Pará represents an important advance in our capacity to respond to emergency situations related to methanol poisoning. Although we currently have no registered cases, it is essential that we are prepared to act quickly and effectively. The medication will be stored safely and will be available to health units as needed, ensuring qualified care for the population, as directed by the Ministry of Health. We continue with active and integrated surveillance to protect public health in the State,” pointed out Ivete Vaz, Secretary of State for Public Health of Pará.
Text: Ascom Sespa
