how many cases of methemoglobinemia in us
Advisory about methemoglobinemia with the use of benzocaine sprays durÂ­ ing medical procedures. Since then, FDA has received reports of 72 new cases of methemoglobinemia associated with the use of benzocaine sprays, including 3 resulting in death, bringing the total to 319 cases as of March 16, 2011. Of the 319 cases, 7 were deaths, 32 cases were categorized as life threatening, and 216 were categorized as serious. A review of the 319 cases indicated that the development of methemoglobinÂ­ emia after treatment with benzocaine sprays may not be related to the amount applied. In many cases, methemoglobinÂ­ emia was reported following the adminÂ­ istration of a single benzocaine spray. In other cases, methemoglobinemia resulted after excessive amounts were applied.