Usual rate of serum ethanol (EtOH) level decline/metabolism/elimination once intake has stopped:

• 0.015-0.020 g/dL/h
• 0.15-0.2 g/L/h
• 3.0-4.3 mmol/L/h        (use 3.0 mmol/L/hour in estimations/calculations)
  • Legal limits <17 mmol/L
  • Toxic >60 mmol/L

When level declining, recheck when anticipated to be 17 mmol/L and then do clinical impairment screening. Very important when considering safety for discharge, especially if being discharged alone or for medical "clearance" prior to psychiatry consult.

 

Ethanol Elimination Rate Calculator

Starting level (BAC, %): e.g. 0.08
OR
Starting level (mg/dL): e.g. 80
OR
Starting level (mmol/L): e.g. 17.4

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.