Infantile methemoglobinemia induced by a topical anesthetic, Cetacaine.
A 2-month-old infant developed severe methemoglobinemia following topical pharyngeal application of a common benzocaine containing agent ( Cetacaine ). Although a number of reports of this complication have appeared in recent years, this is apparently the first case reported in the Otolaryngology literature. The pathophysiology, pharmacology, and treatment of this condition are reviewed.
D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062365:Aminobenzoates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062366:para-Aminobenzoates
D062365:Aminobenzoates; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C010071:benzocaine, butyl aminobenzoate, tetracaine drug combination; D062366:para-Aminobenzoates; D013748:Tetracaine; D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid; D001566:Benzocaine