Vasodilation ethanol causing

In general, ethanol in low to moderate amounts, is relatively benign to most body systems. A moderate amount of ethanol causes peripheral vasodilation, especially of cutaneous vessels, and stimulates the secretion of salivary and gastric fluids the latter action may aid digestion. On the other hand, ethanol consumption in high concentrations, as found in undiluted spirits, can induce hemorrhagic lesions in the duodenum, inhibit intestinal brush border enzymes, inhibit the uptake of amino acids, and limit the absorption of vitamins and minerals. In addition, ethanol can reduce blood testosterone levels, resulting in sexual dysfunction. 

Attempts to diminish the overall metabolism of trichloroethylene might be useful (e.g., hypothermia, mixed-function oxidase inhibitors, competitive inhibitors of trichloroethylene metabolism [i.e., P-450 substrates]), if instituted soon enough after trichloroethylene exposure. Catecholamines (especially beta agonists) act in concert with trichloroethylene, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Hence, catecholamines should be administered to patients only in the lowest efficacious doses and for certain limited presentations of trichloroethylene poisoning. Ethanol should also be avoided because concurrent exposure to trichloroethylene and ethanol can cause vasodilation and malaise and may potentiate central nervous system depression at high dosage levels of either compound. 

Ethanol is a vasodilator, probably as a result of both CNS effects (depression of the vasomotor center) and direct smooth muscle relaxation caused by its metabolite, acetaldehyde. In cases of severe overdose, hypothermia—caused by vasodilation—may be marked in cold environments. Ethanol also relaxes the uterus and—before the introduction of more effective and safer uterine relaxants (eg, calcium channel antagonists)—was used intravenously for the suppression of premature labor. 

Tyramine present in certain food and beverages can displace NE from sympathetic nerve endings, causing CV stimulation, but only if its metabolism is inhibited by MAO inhibitors. Patients suffering from HTN commonly discontinue medications (without physician consultation) based on perceived undesirable side effects, such as sexual dysfunction. In the case of clonidine, rebound hypertension and tachycardia, especially with abrupt discontinuance, can be problematic. Discontinuance of thiazide is likely to result in fluid retention with weight gain and unlikely to cause tachycardia and marked increase in BP. Ethanol is an effective vasodilator and tends to decrease BP. Tachyphylaxis refers to the development of a decreased response to drug treatment over a time span of minutes to hours, not years. 

Flushed red skin may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, boric acid intoxication, chemical burns from corrosives or hydrocarbons, or anticholinergic agents. It may also result from vasodilation (eg, phenothiazines or disulfiram-ethanol interaction). 

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