Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia
P. L. Townes, M. A. Geertsma and M. R. White
Severe methemoglobinemia developed in a healthy 14-month-old infant
following the topical application of a benzocaine-containing gel
administered for the relief of the discomfort of teething. Congenital
methemoglobinemia and hemoglobin M disease were excluded by appropriate
laboratory studies. The patient is considered to have a normal
methemoglobin-reducing capacity and her response to the drug is one that
presumably could occur in any other child of comparable age on receiving an
equivalent dose of benzocaine. Parents should be cautioned against the
indiscriminate use of similar medications, particularly since the process
for which these medications are administered is both benign and
physiologic.
