Inhaled Ethanol, a Low-Cost Therapy for Respiratory Diseases by Enveloped Viruses

Ethanol (EtOH) has demonstrated high efficacy in inactivating enveloped viruses both in vitro and in vivo (in animal and human studies). The inhalation route has been a significant method of drug administration for respiratory disorders since ancient times. Many respiratory diseases are caused by infections with enveloped viruses. This concise review explores the general structural characteristics of enveloped viruses and examines the potential role of inhaled EtOH as low-cost therapy for respiratory diseases. Current literature data suggests that EtOH inhalation could potentially play a beneficial role in treating respiratory infections caused by enveloped viruses. However, there is a clear gap in well-designed clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of EtOH inhalation in treating respiratory infections from enveloped viruses. This low-cost therapy could become an important therapeutic option, especially for large numbers of patients simultaneously infected, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, inhaled EtOH could be a successful approach for fragile patients as cancer patients because it is likely to have no or minimal effects on already established life-saving treatments. Further investigation by national and international institutions is urgently needed to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols.