No, you shouldn’t drink hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is made of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, and it can be poisonous if ingested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol to protect against the spread of germs.
However, drinking even a small amount of hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, slurred speech, confusion, and seizures. If you or someone you know has consumed hand sanitizer, call 911 or poison control immediately.
What Happens If You Drink Hand Sanitizer?
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- Pour a small amount of hand sanitizer into your palm
- Rub your hands together, making sure to cover all surfaces including between your fingers and around your nails
- Continue rubbing until your hands are dry
- Do not rinse off the hand sanitizer as it will continue to work even after it has dried

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1) What are the Active Ingredients in Hand Sanitizer That Make It Effective at Killing Germs
2) Is hand sanitizer effective at killing all types of germs
The active ingredients in hand sanitizers that make them effective at killing germs are usually alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or n-propanol. These chemicals work by denaturing the proteins in the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses, causing them to break down and die.
Hand sanitizers may also contain other ingredients, such as fragrances, colorants or moisturizers.
Is hand sanitizer effective at killing all types of germs? No, hand sanitizers are not 100% effective at killing all types of germs.
However, they are generally effective against most common bacteria and viruses, including those that cause colds and flu. If you use a hand sanitizer that contains an alcohol content of 60% or more, it should be effective against most microbes.
Conclusion
No, consuming hand sanitizer is not safe, regardless of how hungry or thirsty you are. Drinking hand sanitizer can result in alcohol poisoning. Hand sanitizers typically contain 60-95% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which is why they’re effective at killing germs.
But consuming these high concentrations of alcohol can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, seizures, and low body temperature. If you or someone you know has consumed hand sanitizer, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.