Can the Use of a Hydroalcoholic Floral Extract Affect a Breathalyzer Test

Floral extracts are common preparations in natural medicine and complementary therapies. They are made using hydroalcoholic solvents that extract and preserve the active compounds of plants. These products may contain varying concentrations of ethanol, which can raise legitimate concerns for patients who need to drive, especially when the extract is used regularly. In this particular case, a patient was prescribed a floral extract in a 15% hydroalcoholic solution, with a daily dosage of 4 drops, 4 times a day, totaling 16 drops per day. The question is whether this amount of ethanol could have a measurable effect on a breathalyzer test and, consequently, whether it could pose a legal risk or compromise driving safety. To answer this question, it is essential to understand the composition of the extract, the pharmacokinetics of ethanol, the principles behind breathalyzer tests, and the legal limits established by Colombian regulations.