title: [Methaemoglobinaemia in a child treated with Emla(®) cream: circumstances and consequences of overdose].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Emla(®) cream, a mixture of two local anaesthetics (prilocaine 2.5%, lidocaine 2.5%) has a good benefit-risk profile. However, methaemoglobinaemia can occur, especially when the cream is applied in excessive amounts or over long periods.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors report a case of seizure and respiratory disturbances (MetHb=20.1%) after excessive application of Emla(®) (30g) for curettage of molluscum contagiosum in a young girl with eczema. The patient's clinical condition improved after withdrawal of the cream and administration of methylene blue, and she returned home on day two.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new case of methaemoglobinaemia in a child following application of Emla(®) cream highlights the importance of strict compliance with the instructions for use of this medicinal product.
authors.affiliation: Centre Antipoison, hôpital Salvator, 249, boulevard St-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France. corinne.schmitt@ap-hm.fr
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matulic
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kervégant
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tichadou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boutin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glaizal
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: de Haro
mesh_terms: D019162:Anesthetics, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004304:Dosage Forms; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D004304:Dosage Forms; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine