Ethylene glycol is a common substance in various antifreeze preparations. Intoxication is caused by ingestion either as a suicide attempt or by an accident. The clinical course of intoxication always severe, however, immediate lauching of proper treatment can reverse the poor prognosis. Intoxication clinically proceeds in three stages: 1. Depressive CNS disturbances that can lead to coma. 2. Organ manifestations. 3. Acute renal failure. The case report of 46-year-old man admitted after ingestion of ethylene glycol in suicidal attempt summarises the essential principles of therapy - monitoring of vital functions, administration of ethanol solution as an antidote and hemodialysis to remove toxic components.

        Key words: ethylene glycol, antidote