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Anesthetic agents (local, topical)

Benzocaine produces methemoglobinemia with greater frequency, compared to other topical anesthetic agents (PMID 22915889. See under specufic drugs (benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, tetracaine...)

Last update : 20/10/2016

XI.a Cyanosis, a low SpO2 and normal measured PaO2

XIV.a Methemoglobinemia

Diagnosing DIRD

Drug and radiation history

Drug singularity - Correct identification of the drug

Consistent timing of exposure v. onset of symptoms

Clinical, imaging, BAL, pathological pattern consistent with the specific drug

Careful exlusion of another cause

Remission of symptoms with removal of drug

Recurrence with rechallenge (rarely advisable)

Causality assessment

More detailed checklist

The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website

Philippe Camus, M.D.

Dijon, France

Anesthetic agents (local, topical)

XI.a Cyanosis, a low SpO2 and normal measured PaO2

XIV.a Methemoglobinemia