special subjects
Volatile Solvents
Treatment of Volatile Solvent Use
Supportive care Treatment for acute toxicity from volatile solvents is supportive. Use of catecholamines (eg, for hypotension) should be avoided because of possible solvent-induced myocardial sensitization. Treatment of arrhythmias is challenging and there is no specific treatment guideline. Beta blockers may have some benefit.Fomepizolemay be used to treat inhalation and ingestion of methanol-containing solvents. Treatment of solvent-dependent adolescents is difficult, and relapse is frequent. However, most users stop solvent use by the end of adolescence. Intensive attempts to broadly improve patients’ social skills and status in family, school, and society may help. For symptoms and treatment of poisoning with specific solvents, see table Symptoms and Treatment of Specific Poisons . 