Methemoglobinemia due to skin application of benzocaine.
We report a 2-year-old child who presented with severe methemoglobinemia after topical application of Lanacane (with 3% benzocaine). The experience with our patient shows that intoxication can occur in children if the drug is applied to a large area of skin that has lost its integrity. We discuss the usefulness of the pulse oximeter in making the diagnosis and review the management of methemoglobinemia.
Eldadah
M
M
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Saint Francis Hospital, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Fitzgerald
M
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D010092:Oximetry
D001566:Benzocaine