Drug Action

Chemistry

Antizol contains fomepizole as a free base, which has a molecular formula of C₄H₆N₂ and a molecular weight of 82.1 grams/mole. Antizol is a clear, colorless to yellow liquid at room temperature. Fomepizole has a high freezing point and may solidify below 25°C (77°F). Solidification, however, does not affect the stability, efficacy or safety of Antizol. ¹²

The chemical structure of fomepizole is shown to the left.

Mechanism of Action

Antizol is a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. ADH also catalyzes the initial steps in the oxidative metabolism of ethylene glycol and methanol to their respective, toxic metabolites. ¹²

To learn more about the mechanism of action for Antizol, click here.