Dapsone induced methemoglobinemia : Intermittent vs continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy

Rajniti Prasad1, R Singh, O P Mishra

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. rajniti_prasad@hotmail.com

Insights

Continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy significantly reduces methemoglobin (MetHb) levels in children with dapsone intoxication compared to intermittent therapy. This approach offers a more effective treatment for methemoglobinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Dapsone intoxication can lead to life-threatening methemoglobinemia.
  • Methylene blue is a standard treatment for methemoglobinemia.
  • Optimal delivery method for methylene blue in pediatric cases requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of intermittent versus continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy.
  • To evaluate the rate of methemoglobin (MetHb) level decline in children with dapsone intoxication.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven children with dapsone intoxication were randomized into two groups.
  • Group I received intermittent methylene blue therapy; Group II received continuous infusion.
  • Blood MetHb levels were measured over 72 hours and analyzed using a student t-test.

Main Results:

  • Continuous methylene blue infusion (Group II) showed a statistically significant decline in MetHb levels compared to intermittent therapy (Group I).
  • Significant differences in MetHb reduction were observed at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours.
  • Clinical features like seizures and altered sensorium were noted in some patients.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy is more effective than intermittent regimens for treating dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in children.
  • Continuous infusion leads to a more rapid and significant reduction in blood MetHb levels.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy01:30

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations01:15

Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is commonly administered via intermittent intravenous infusion to treat severe infections. An intermittent one-hour infusion of gentamicin, administered at eight-hour intervals, allows for precise control of plasma drug concentrations, minimizing toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Pharmacokinetic principles govern the dynamics of plasma concentrations and can be mathematically described using specific equations.The plasma drug concentration...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Overview and Classification01:16

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Overview and Classification

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is a clinical practice that measures specific drug levels in a patient's blood at designated intervals to ensure the drug concentration stays within a therapeutic range. This monitoring is crucial for optimizing individual dosage regimens, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing drug-related toxicity. TDM is vital for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, significant variability in pharmacokinetics, and a clear correlation between plasma levels and...
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses01:25

Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses

A loading dose is an essential pharmacological strategy to rapidly achieve the target plasma drug concentration necessary for an immediate therapeutic effect. This approach is especially critical for drugs characterized by slow absorption or extended half-lives, where delaying therapeutic plasma levels could compromise treatment outcomes. By administering a loading dose, clinicians ensure a prompt onset of drug action, even for agents with complex pharmacokinetic profiles.Achieving steady-state...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...