Benzocaine-containing topical sprays and methemoglobinemia

In reviewing reported cases of methemoglobinemia, clinicians often used multiple sprays of benzocaine and sprays of longer duration than recommended. Doses administered during endoscopic procedures may exceed manufacturer's recommendations for several reasons. First, unclear package instructions for using the products may lead to overdoses. In our February 6, 2002 issue, we mentioned that the directions for use of Cetacaine topical spray are prone to misinterpretation and could result in patient harm. One portion of the label states, "Spray in excess of two seconds is contraindicated," but the directions state, "To activate spray, press Jetco-Spray Cannula in any direction with forefinger for approximately one second. Maximum anesthesia is produced in one minute." This could be misinterpreted to mean that a continuous spray of up to one minute is permitted, even desirable, for maximum anesthesia (Cetylite Industries is clarifying this wording). Another problem is that clinicians may not be familiar with the significant absorption of topical anesthetics, so they may not realize just how much medication they are giving patients when using the sprays. See our May 15, 2002, edition of the newsletter for additional information on this problem. Patients also could self-administer topical anesthetics in doses that exceed manufacturer's recommendations. Since some products are available without a prescription (e.g., Hurricane), a patient could, for example, apply too much spray or gargle too often with a liquid formulation (or swallow the solution), especially since the directions for use may be vague (e.g., "apply a small amount").

SAFE PRACTICE RECOMMENDATION: Alert clinicians and patients to the proper dosing of topical anesthetics and the possibility of methemoglobinemia when these products are used. These drugs should not be used in high doses, especially in patients who may be predisposed to methemoglobinemia. Predisposing factors include age (infants under 6 months of age and older patients with cardiac problems may be sensitive to even low methemoglobin levels); the status of the area that is being sprayed (inflamed areas absorb more drug); concomitant use of other drugs which also have been implicated in causing methemoglobinemia; and the genetic make-up of the patient (due to altered hemoglobin, G6PD deficiency, or methemoglobin reductase enzyme deficiency).4,5 Therefore, patients who may receive topical anesthetics should be asked about their past medical history to determine if any of the risk factors are present.

References:
(1) Ajayi T, Gropper MA. Methemoglobinemia. Pulmonary Perspectives. 2001;18:1-7.
(2) Scott HD, Rosenbaum SE, Waters WJ, Colt AM, Andrews LG, Juergens JP, et al. Rhode Island physicians' recognition and reporting of adverse drug reactions. RI Med J. 1987;70:311-6.
(3) Douglas WW, Fairbanks VF. Methemoglobinemia induced by a topical anesthetic spray (Cetacaine). Chest. 1977;71:587.
(4) Wurdeman RL et al. Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia during an outpatient procedure. Pharmacotherapy. 2000;20:735-38.
(5) http://link.springerny.com/link/service/journals/00464/contents/00/20083/paper/index.html