Topical anesthetic sprays directly associated with a serious, sometimes fatal adverse drug reaction: methemoglobinemia.
Paparella
Susan
S
Consulting Services, Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., USA. spaparella@ismp.org
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000336:Aerosols; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D000336:Aerosols; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine; D001566:Benzocaine