What Instructions Should You Give to Patients Regarding Ethylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol Exposure?

After completing this section, you will be able to describe self-care and clinical follow-up instructions for patients exposed to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

• All patients with ethylene glycol poisoning should be evaluated and treated immediately.
• All patients exposed to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol need basic guidance on
  • self-care, so they can minimize further risks and avoid complications to the extent possible, and
  • clinical follow-up, so they understand when and why to return for further medical attention.
• ATSDR has developed a patient education sheet on ethylene glycol and propylene glycol that you might find useful. It is available at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/ethylene-propylene-glycol/docs/patient_education_and_care_instruction_sheet_Sept-2020-508.pdf [PDF – 317 KB].

Advise patients to avoid exposures and conditions that might further increase their risk for disease or worsen their existing health condition(s). You might offer the following advice to your patient:

• If you have any antifreeze in your home, keep it in original, labeled containers and securely stored and out of children’s reach.
• If you suspect that someone has ingested antifreeze, be sure he or she sees a healthcare provider immediately.

Patients should be advised to consult their healthcare provider if they develop

• any sign or symptom of CNS involvement, or
• signs or symptoms of other health changes (especially those possibly related to heart and kidney problems).

ATSDR’s patient education and care instruction sheet on ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is a job aid that provides relevant follow-up instructions for patients possibly exposed to ethylene glycol or propylene glycol including follow-up instructions.

• Advise patients to avoid exposures and conditions that might further increase their risk for disease or worsen their existing health condition(s).
• Patients should seek immediate evaluation if they develop neurological problems or other health changes after exposure.
• A patient education and care instruction sheet for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/egpg/pated_sheet.html