A case of a patient requiring medically supervised withdrawal after ingestion of witch hazel toner as a surrogate alcohol

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Standardized alcohol withdrawal treatments, such as the phenobarbital taper protocol, are effective in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndromes associated with surrogate alcohols including witch hazel toner. Abstract Ingestion of alcohol not intended for consumption, also known as surrogate alcohols, is well‐documented in patients with alcohol use disorder. Ingestion of surrogate alcohols may lead to higher morbidity and mortality than standard alcohol consumption alone. However, management of complications such as withdrawal syndromes in individuals consuming surrogate alcohols has received little attention in the literature. We present the case of a patient with alcohol use disorder who required medically supervised withdrawal following ingestion of witch hazel toner as a surrogate alcohol. Review of patient's history revealed routine ingestion of witch hazel toner as a substitute to traditional alcohols. Witch hazel toner is a non‐FDA regulated product designed for topical use; it is commonly sold in a steam distilled formulation containing 13%–15% ethanol and small amounts of essential oil components, such as carvacrol and eugenol. During hospitalization the patient received treatment of alcohol withdrawal with a phenobarbital taper protocol and was discharged in stable condition. He also received resources for alcohol use disorder to follow‐up in the outpatient setting. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a patient requiring medically supervised withdrawal following ingestion of witch hazel toner and sheds light on the potential complications and management of patients who present following ingestion.

Keywords

• addiction
• alcohol
• ingestion
• surrogate alcohol
• withdrawal