Fomepizole

Fomepizole Overview

Updated: 

Fomepizole is a prescription medication used to treat ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. Fomepizole belongs to a group of drugs called antidotes. It works by blocking a step to prevent the body from producing toxic substances from the chemicals. 

This medication comes in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.  

Common side effects of fomepizole include headache, nausea, and metallic taste (bad taste) in the mouth.

Fomepizole can also cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how fomepizole affects you.

How was your experience with Fomepizole?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Fomepizole?

What are you taking Fomepizole for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Acidosis
  • Drug Toxicity
  • Kidney Failure
  • Poisoning
  • Vision Disorders

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Fomepizole work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Fomepizole to a friend?

Fomepizole Cautionary Labels

Back to Top
precautions

Uses of Fomepizole

Back to Top

Fomepizole is a prescription medication used to treat ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. These substances are commonly found in antifreeze, coolants, and windshield wiper fluid for vehicles and are not safe for human consumption.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Fomepizole Brand Names

Back to Top

Fomepizole may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Fomepizole Drug Class

Back to Top

Fomepizole is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Fomepizole

Back to Top

Serious side effects have been reported with fomepizole. See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of fomepizole include the following:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • bad taste/metallic taste in the mouth
  • abdominal pain

This is not a complete list of fomepizole side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.