Prilocaine-induced methemoglobinemia--Wisconsin, 1993.
Methemoglobinemia is an uncommon disorder in which hemoglobin is not oxidized and not capable of binding oxygen. This condition may be associated with exposure to nitrate-contaminated drinking water, aniline dyes, and amide-containing medications. Ortho-toluidine, a metabolite of the anesthetic prilocaine, also can induce this condition (1). During March-August 1993, three Wisconsin women treated by the same oral surgeon developed methemoglobinemia after being injected with a prilocaine-based local anesthetic. The surgeon notified the Division of Health, Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, of these cases 1 week after the third case occurred. This report summarizes the case investigations.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013515:Surgery, Oral; D014922:Wisconsin
D011318:Prilocaine