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Tag: Methemoglobinemia

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Which Drug Causes Methemoglobinemia? A Guide to Common Culprits

4 min read
Though relatively uncommon, cases of methemoglobinemia induced by medication are more prevalent than the hereditary forms. This serious condition, often identified by a characteristic blue or gray skin discoloration, occurs when certain drugs interfere with hemoglobin's ability to carry oxygen. Knowing which drug causes methemoglobinemia can be crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Is it okay to swallow Orajel gel? Understanding the Risks

3 min read
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of oral drug products containing benzocaine, the active ingredient in many Orajel gels, has been linked to a serious, potentially fatal blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. This makes it critically important to understand why the answer to "Is it okay to swallow Orajel gel?" is a definitive no. This guide will explore the severe risks associated with swallowing Orajel and provide crucial information on proper application and what to do in case of accidental ingestion.

Can You Swallow Oral Benzocaine? Understanding the Dangers and Safe Use

4 min read
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over-the-counter oral benzocaine products carry a serious risk of a life-threatening blood disorder, especially for young children. Given this serious warning, it is critical to understand the risks and answer the question: Can you swallow oral benzocaine?

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Properly Use Benzocaine?

4 min read
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), using over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine products, especially sprays, has been linked to a serious and potentially fatal blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. It is crucial to understand **how to properly use benzocaine** to avoid this and other adverse effects while effectively managing pain.

What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow Benzocaine?

4 min read
While most people are fine after accidentally swallowing a small amount of topical benzocaine, it can cause a rare but serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, especially in infants and young children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against giving benzocaine products to children under 2 for teething pain due to this risk.

Can Lidocaine Give You a Headache? Understanding the Connection

4 min read
While lidocaine is an exceptionally common local anesthetic, headache is a recognized, though often temporary, side effect of its use [1.8.1, 1.2.2]. The likelihood and nature of the headache can depend on the method of administration, from topical patches to spinal injections [1.4.2, 1.2.4].

Does Azo interfere with any medications? What You Need to Know

4 min read
While AZO is widely used for urinary pain relief, its active ingredients can indeed interact with other drugs and health conditions. A key concern is the potential for a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, especially when combined with certain other medications. So, does Azo interfere with any medications? The answer depends on the specific AZO product and other medicines you are taking.

What is methylene blue FDA approved for?

5 min read
Acquired methemoglobinemia is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition, with an overall prevalence as low as 0.035% in some procedural settings [1.13.3]. The primary question for clinicians is, **what is methylene blue FDA approved for** in treating this and other conditions? The answer is specific and critical for patient safety.

Why Don't Doctors Prescribe Methylene Blue Widely?

4 min read
First synthesized in 1876 as a textile dye, methylene blue is now FDA-approved for only one condition: methemoglobinemia [1.2.1, 1.2.3, 1.3.5]. This article explains why doctors don't prescribe methylene blue for its popular off-label uses.