Abstract
Topical benzocaine is an anesthetic agent that is often used before procedures and clinical tests, such as esophagoscopy, bronchoscopy, and endotracheal intubation. However, a potential deadly condition known as methemoglobinemia can occur with this agent. It causes the oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobinemia to occur more rapidly than the reduction of methemoglobin back to hemoglobin. Certain congenital and clinical conditions that affect oxygen delivery can increase the patient's risk of having methemoglobinemia develop with the use of benzocaine. Topical benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia can occur in the pediatric population. Prompt management with intravenous methylene blue should be initiated for reversal.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
