Critical rebound methemoglobinemia after methylene blue treatment: case report

Pharmacotherapy. 2004 Apr;24(4):538-40. doi: 10.1592/phco.24.5.538.33356.

Abstract

A 39-year-old man developed significant methemoglobinemia after receiving benzocaine spray; he was treated appropriately with intravenous methylene blue. The patient's methemoglobin levels decreased, but this was followed by a critical rebound phenomenon to levels frequently considered near fatal. After further treatment with methylene blue, the patient's methemoglobin levels returned to normal. Clinicians need to be aware that a decreasing level of methemoglobin does not necessarily indicate that a crisis has passed and that further monitoring and treatment may be indicated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects
  • Benzocaine / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced*
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage
  • Methylene Blue / adverse effects*
  • Methylene Blue / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Methylene Blue
  • Benzocaine