• Darren Green, Peter Barry, and Heather D Green.
• Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
• Thorax. 2014 Dec 1;69(12):1157-8.

AbstractWe describe a case of acquired methaemoglobinaemia due to frequent use of the 'legal high' known as 'Pink Panthers'. This contains 5,6-Methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane and 2-Aminoindane, both amphetamine analogues with the potential to cause methaemoglobinaemia. Furthermore, the most common 'cutting agent' for legal highs in the UK is benzocaine, also known to cause methaemoglobinaemia. Given the increasing prevalence of legal highs, particularly those containing added benzocaine, such presentations may become more common. Furthermore, in one case series, benzocaine gel used for toothache was the second most common reason for hospitalisation due to acquired methaemoglobinaemia after dapsone use. Indeed, the Federal Drug Agency has issued as public warning as to the risk of these products. We therefore think that clinicians and the public should be made more aware of the risk associated with such agents.Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

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