Arch Intern Med
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Acute methemoglobinemia may result from the use of several local anesthetic agents. Benzocaine (Cetacaine) spray has been shown previously to cause methemoglobinemia in two patients when applied topically to the mucous membranes. ⋯ The episodes occurred more than 20 hours apart, and no other drugs known to induce methemoglobinemia were given. On both occasions, intravenous methylene blue was effective in correcting the disorder.