Infantile methemoglobinemia induced by a topical anesthetic, Cetacaine

A 2-month-old infant developed severe methemoglobinemia following topical pharyngeal application of a common benzocaine containing agent ( Cetacaine ). Although a number of reports of this complication have appeared in recent years, this is apparently the first case reported in the Otolaryngology literature. The pathophysiology, pharmacology, and treatment of this condition are reviewed.