Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0476273 (respiratory distress)
 19,632 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Benzocaine, an ester-type local anesthetic, was believed responsible for apparent methemoglobinemia in a cat. The cat was admitted with acute respiratory distress, vomiting, and collapse, which began 15 to 20 minutes after topical application of the drug. Treatment consisted of supportive therapy and intravenous administration of methylene blue. The respiratory rate improved within 5 to 10 minutes of methylene blue administration and continued over a period of 2 hours. Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia has been reported in man, dogs, and cats. This report supports the findings of others regarding the potential toxicity of topical ester-type local anesthetics.
 ...
PMID:Methemoglobinemia associated with dermal application of benzocaine cream in a cat. 334 88

A case of methemoglobinemia secondary to topical local anesthetic agents is reported. A 28-year-old, 80-kg white man was admitted to a hospital for respiratory distress two days after an accident. During intubation, Cetacaine (benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine) spray and Americaine (benzocaine) ointment were used topically for local anesthesia. Ninety minutes later, the patient was cyanotic despite ventilation, and an arterial blood sample was chocolate-brown and contained 29 d/dl methemoglobin (normal less than 1.7 g/ dl). Methylene blue, 80 mg as a 1% solution in 5% dextrose in water, was infused over 20 minutes, and hte patient's cyanosis disappeared within the next 30 minutes. The following afternoon, the patient was reintubated, using 4% lidocaine and benzocaine as local anesthetics. He again developed cyanosis. Methylene blue again cleared the cyanosis. Abnormal hemoglobin variants and NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency were ruled out as sources of methemoglobinemia. A discussion of methemoglobinemia, including biochemistry, pathogenesis, symptomatology, and management, is presented. If cyanosis occurs following application of local anesthetics, methemoglobinemia secondary to these drugs should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
 ...
PMID:Methemoglobinemia induced by local anesthetics. 697 Oct 56

Benzocaine administration to facilitate upper endoscopic procedures can result in the relatively uncommon but potentially fatal complication known as methemoglobinemia. For this reason, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) announced on February 8, 2006, that they would stop using benzocaine-containing sprays for procedures involving the mouth and throat. Methemoglobinemia should be considered in any patient who demonstrates cyanosis, respiratory distress, headache, lightheadedness, and a dark, chocolate-colored blood after receiving pharyngeal anesthesia. Prompt recognition of this rare (but potentially fatal) condition is important. Once identified, treatment is generally rapid with methylene blue. The patient should be monitored in the intensive care setting for recurrence. Knowledge of this adverse medication reaction is essential for all gastroenterology nurses.
 ...
PMID:Methemoglobinemia and benzocaine. 1804 3