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Infantile methemoglobinemia induced by a topical anesthetic, cetacaine
Author(s) -
Seibert Robert W.,
Seibert Joanna J.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198406000-00016
Subject(s) - benzocaine , methemoglobinemia , topical anesthetic , medicine , complication , anesthetic , anesthesia , pathophysiology , dermatology , otorhinolaryngology , anesthetic agent , local anesthetic , pediatrics , surgery
A 2‐month‐old infant developed severe methemoglobinemia following topical pharyngeal application of a common benzocaine containing agent (Cetacaine r̀ ). Although a number of reports of this complication have appeared in recent years, this is apparently the first case reported in the Otolaryngology literature. The pathophysiology, pharmacology, and treatment of this condition are reviewed.