Methemoglobinemia from perineal application of an anesthetic cream.
A 34-year-old woman presented with cyanosis and a methemoglobin level of 23.2% after perineal application of a topical anesthetic cream containing 20% benzocaine. Many commonly used products contain high levels of benzocaine, and their use can lead to life-threatening methemoglobin levels. This case reinforces the need for stricter guidelines for product use and warning labels to alert consumers to this potential side effect of topical benzocaine-containing products sold over the counter.
Ferraro-Borgida
M J
MJ
Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
Mulhern
S A
SA
DeMeo
M O
MO
Bayer
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D009824:Ointments / Q000009:adverse effects; D010502:Perineum
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009824:Ointments; D008751:Methylene Blue; D001566:Benzocaine