Benzocaine-associated methemoglobinemia in dental patients
Flynn K
Record ID 32006000537
English
Authors' recommendations:
TAP’s searches yielded a smaller number of citations than those of the searches conducted for PBM (2006). Discrepancies likely are due to TAP’s focus on the dental setting and specific study types when conducting its searches, versus PBM’s broader and longer set of search terms.Although FDA is aware of adverse events apparently related to benzocaine sprays, it is not planning action to remove the drugs from the market (FDA Public Health Advisory, February 10, 2006). TAP’s review of this topic indicates that methemoglobinemia is an uncommon event that can also be associated with nitrates, which are ubiquitous environmental chemicals and for which an association of methemoglobinemia with exposure has been more rigorously researched. Therefore, we conclude that an association between methemoglobinemia and topical benzocaine as used in dentistry is insufficiently proven for it to be the basis of major clinical policy or formulary change.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2006
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
MeSH Terms
- Anesthesia, Dental
- Benzocaine
- Methemoglobinemia
Contact
Organisation Name:
VA Technology Assessment Program
Contact Address:
Liz Adams, VA Technology Assessment Program, Office of Patient Care Services (11T), VA Boston Healthcare System Room 4D-142, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 USA Tel: +1 617 278 4469; Fax: +1 617 264 6587;
Contact Name:
elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov
Contact Email:
elizabeth.adams@med.va.gov
Copyright:
Technology Assessment Unit, Office of Patient Care Services, US Department of Veterans Affairs (VATAP)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.