Monoethanolamine, also known as ethanolamine, C2H7NO, MEA, or ETA, is an organic, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic amino alcohol compound with an odor resembling that of ammonia. Primarily used by chemists and manufacturers as a feedstock material, it is also used in the production of chemical processes, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, emulsifiers, polishes and pharmaceuticals. USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem wants its customers to know more about this last category, pharmaceuticals, and specifically the medical uses of monoethanolamine. 

As a factor within lecithin, monoethanolamine is sequestered in most living tissue where it removes carbon dioxide from gas. This role categorizes monoethanolamine as a useful chemical for pharmaceutical uses.

Acting as a sclerosing agent

The most prominent role of monoethanolamine in medical use is as a mild sclerosing agent. When injected as ethanolamine oleate into a vein, this pharmaceutical drug treats esophageal varices, or dilated blood vessels, within esophageal tissue and/or the lining of the cardiac portion of the stomach. Esophageal varices are a symptom of liver disease and can cause severe bleeding that either exits the body through the throat or through the anus. Ethanolamine oleate works on the inflamed tissues, laying down a thin layer of scar tissue much like a scab on the skin to reduce or eliminate blood from emanating through the dilated blood vessels. Untreated esophageal varices are often fatal; the venous injection of monoethanolamine saves the lives of patients with recent or ongoing episodes of esophageal varices when dosed several times over a 6-month timeframe. 

Helping with histamine sensitivity

Derivatives of monoethanolamine are considered H1 antagonists; they block the body’s H1 receptors on the surface of cells. When these receptors are blocked, they are unable to release histamine from a white blood cell called a mast cell. Histamines regulate the secretion of gastric acid, inflammation, and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, but many people have a hypersensitivity to histamines, causing them to overcompensate and cause excess gastric acid to flood the stomach creating ulcers or erosion of the esophagus and stomach lining; hyperinflammation leading to redness, soreness, or itching on the skin’s surface; or excessive blood vessel disorders which may lead to hyper- or hypotension. Adding monoethanolamine derivatives to the body assuages this superabundant activity.

Aiding in sleep

Insomnia plagues many individuals, and much research postulates histamines acting through H1 regulate the body’s sleep/wake cycle. Because monoethanolamine derivatives are H1 antagonists, they return the body to a more somnolent state as they cross the blood/brain barrier and produce anticholinergic reactions. One of these reactions is sedation.

Most people are not familiar with histamines, but are extremely well versed in the role of antihistamines, which are taken in response to allergic rhinitis or another immune response. The process of “blocking histamines” is, more realistically, the process of not allowing histamines to coagulate an area, or for existing histamines to be released from the area in question. Monoethanolamine has the ability to do both.

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including monoethanolamine. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.