Abstract

DRUG INDUCED METHEMGLOBINEMIA: A CASE SERIES

*Dr. Abdul Wahid Bhat. MBBS, MD, MRCP, Basil Wahid Bhat (Medical Student), Dr. Showkat Ali Mufti. MBBS, MD, MRCP

Abstract

Acquired Methemoglobinemia although rear but is reported adverse effect of Dapsone and Phenazopyridin; which are commonly used for ITP and UTI respectively. Drugs and chemicals have a potential for serious side-effects, especially in complicated patients with significant comorbidity. Methemglobinemia should be suspected in patients with hypoxic symptoms who appear cyanotic with low O2 saturation but have a high Po2. Co-oximetry is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Methemglobinemia and can quantitate blood levels of abnormal hemoglobin, which in turn correlate with the clinical presentation and the urgency for treatment. Intravenous Methylene blue is the treatment of choice and a specific antidote for Methemoglobinemia. In this case series we describe five cases of drug induced Methemoglobinemia.

Keywords: Methemoglobinemia, ITP, Dapsone, Tissue hypoxia, Methylene Blue.