Fomepizole serves which purpose in medical treatment?

Fomepizole is specifically designed to act as an antidote for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning. When these toxic substances are ingested, they are metabolized to harmful metabolites that can cause significant damage to the body, particularly to the central nervous system and kidneys. Fomepizole works by inhibiting the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is responsible for the conversion of methanol and ethylene glycol into their toxic metabolites. By preventing this conversion, fomepizole allows these chemicals to be excreted unchanged by the kidneys, reducing the risk of toxicity and associated complications. This mechanism makes it a critical component of the treatment protocol for these specific types of poisoning, highlighting its importance in emergency medicine and toxicology.