Investigation of the effect of ethyl alcohol, an additive in some pharmaceutical agents used in patients with respiratory system symptoms, on breath alcohol test results

The increasing prevalence of alcohol consumption both worldwide and in our country has made the role of alcohol in the epidemiology of forensic incidents more evident. Alcohol intake serves as a triggering and facilitating factor in various forensic cases, including traffic accidents, injuries, as well as unnatural and violent deaths. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents globally, resulting in both loss of life and property. To prevent such accidents, alcohol breathalyzer devices, which provide practical and rapid results, are widely used in alcohol control measures. However, the accuracy of these measurements can occasionally be subject to debate and may be brought into judicial proceedings. In this experimental study, the effects of a cough syrup containing ethanol as an excipient, as well as those of an inhaler, on breath alcohol levels were investigated. A total of 165 voluntary participants were included in the study. Measurements using a breathalyzer device commenced immediately after administration of the medications. In cases where positive readings were obtained, measurements were continued at one-minute intervals until the detected alcohol levels returned to zero. Following administration of the cough syrup, positive breathalyzer readings were observed for up to 2 minutes. In the case of single-dose inhaler use, positive readings persisted for up to 3 minutes, whereas double-dose inhaler use resulted in positive readings for up to 5 minutes. The highest alcohol concentrations were recorded immediately after medication administration and subsequently declined rapidly to zero in follow-up measurements. The peak values detected were 0,6 promil (0,29 mg/L) for the cough syrup, 2,0 promil (1,06 mg/L) for the single-dose inhaler, and 5,0 promil (2,54 mg/L) for the double-dose inhaler. The data obtained indicate that certain pharmaceutical agents can lead to false-positive results in breathalyzer tests, even in individuals who have not consumed alcohol. This phenomenon raises concerns regarding the accuracy of breathalyzer measurements. In light of these findings, it is emphasized that in cases of suspicious measurement results, the test should be repeated after an appropriate waiting period. To prevent unwarranted sanctions and unnecessary workload in forensic processes resulting from false-positive outcomes, individuals who report using such products should undergo retesting following a specified waiting period. In situations where the accuracy of breathalyzer measurements cannot be confirmed, it is of critical importance that the individual be promptly referred to a healthcare facility for definitive assessment.