If you are considering self harm, please call or go in to the ER where someone can talk with you and help you.

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Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which is toxic to the body. It would affect the body in 3 stages:

Stage 1 From the time of ingestion until about 12 hours, there is central nervous system depression. This does not mean feeling psychologically depressed. It means the brain's functions are depressed such as with slurred speech.

A metabolite of the ethylene glycol starts forming at around 4 hours, causing metabolic acidosis. This can cause seizures, nausea, and vomiting.

Stage 2 In the next 12 hours, there can be effects on the cardiovascular system such as heart rate racing, fast breathing, high or low blood pressure, lung inflammation, heart failure, and shock.

Stage 3 (Renal toxicity phase)
Kidney damage usually develops 24-72 hours after exposure. Acidosis and acute renal failure may result from deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys.

There is treatment for intoxication with ethylene glycol in the acute phases (fomepizole) and intensive care support. But part of whether a person survives is how much they ingested and the speed of medical support they receive.

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