Ethanol (DB00898): A Comprehensive Pharmacological, Toxicological, and Regulatory Monograph

I. Introduction and Compound Identification

Introduction

Ethanol, a simple two-carbon alcohol, holds a uniquely paradoxical position in science, medicine, and society. It is simultaneously a small molecule drug with specific, approved therapeutic applications, a widely consumed psychoactive substance with profound public health consequences, and a fundamental chemical feedstock indispensable to industry and laboratory practice. This monograph provides a definitive, evidence-based analysis of ethanol, reconciling its disparate identities through a rigorous examination of its pharmacology, toxicology, clinical utility, and the multifaceted regulatory frameworks that govern its use. A central theme of this report is the critical importance of context—dose, chronicity of exposure, genetic predisposition, and intended use—in defining ethanol's effects. The molecule's regulation is a prime example of this complexity, with distinct government bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), exerting authority depending on whether the substance is intended for therapeutic use or human consumption as a beverage.[1] This report synthesizes a vast body of data to serve as a comprehensive reference for professionals in pharmacology, medicine, toxicology, and regulatory affairs.

Compound Identification

To establish the precise chemical entity under review, the following primary identifiers for ethanol are provided.

• Drug Name: Ethanol [2]
• DrugBank ID: DB00898 [2]
• Type: Small Molecule
• CAS Number: 64-17-5 [6]
• Synonyms: Ethanol is known by numerous synonyms, reflecting its widespread use. These include: Ethyl Alcohol, EtOH, Grain Alcohol, Absolute Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol, Methylcarbinol, Ethyl Hydrate, Ethyl Hydroxide, and Alcohol, USP.[8]

II. Physicochemical Properties