title: Methemoglobinemia from perineal application of an anesthetic cream.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ferraro-Borgida
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mulhern
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: DeMeo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bayer
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009824:Ointments; D008751:Methylene Blue; D001566:Benzocaine