Methemoglobinemia induced by a topical anesthetic spray (cetacaine).

Abstract

In two seriously ill patients, cyanosis developed shortly after a topical anesthetic spray (Cetacaine) was used. In both cases the presence of methemoglobinemia was suggested by a discrepancy between the arterial oxygen tension and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, as measured spectrophotometrically. The characteristic responses of the spectrophotometric oximeter to blood containing different concentrations of methemoglobin are described. Physicians administering this topical anesthetic spray (Cetacaine) should be aware of the possible development of methemoglobinemia.

• Authors: W W Douglas, V F Fairbanks
• Journal: Chest (Chest) Vol. 71 Issue 5 Pg. 587-91 (May 1977) ISSN: 0012-3692 [Print] United States
• PMID: 856556 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aerosols
• Aminobenzoates
• Benzalkonium Compounds
• Cetrimonium Compounds
• Drug Combinations
• Hemoglobins
• benzocaine, butyl aminobenzoate, tetracaine drug combination
• Tetracaine
• Carboxyhemoglobin
• Oxygen
• Benzocaine

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Aerosols
• Aged
• Aminobenzoates (adverse effects)
• Anesthesia, Local (adverse effects)
• Benzalkonium Compounds
• Benzocaine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Bronchoscopy
• Carboxyhemoglobin (analysis)
• Cetrimonium Compounds
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Humans
• Intubation, Intratracheal
• Male
• Methemoglobinemia (chemically induced)
• Oxygen (blood)
• Spectrophotometry
• Tetracaine (adverse effects)