Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, a component used in the fabrication of artificial fingernails.

Abstract

An acute cyanotic episode due to methemoglobinemia occurred in a 16-month old girl following the ingestion of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, a commercially available component used in the production of artificial fingernails. The amount of the parent compound ingested was about 6 mg/kg of body weight. Administration of methylene blue was effective in the reversal of the methemoglobinemia. In vitro studies suggest that the activity of the compound was probably due to its biochemical transformation to the toxic metabolite p-methylphenylhydroxylamine. We expand the list of aromatic amino or nitro compounds and their derivatives capable of producing methemoglobinemia and call attention to the hazard of their ingestion.

• Authors: J L Potter, C E Krill Jr, D Neal, W G Kofron
• Journal: Annals of emergency medicine (Ann Emerg Med) Vol. 17 Issue 10 Pg. 1098-100 (Oct 1988) ISSN: 0196-0644 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3178002 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Toluidines
• dimethyl-4-toluidine

Topics

• Accidents, Home
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Methemoglobinemia (chemically induced)
• Toluidines (poisoning)