Metoclopramide-Induced Methemoglobinemia
- 1 September 1988
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Pediatrics
- Vol. 82 (3), 364-366
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.82.3.364
Abstract
The case of a 3-week-old male infant is described. After receiving an iatrogenic overdose of metoclopramide (1.0 mg/kg every six hours) throughout a 36-hour period for the treatment of suspected gastroesophageal reflux, he became cyanotic, lethargic, and irritable, he fed poorly, and he had diarrhea and respiratory distress. Methemoglobinemia (20.5%) and reduced oxyhemoglobin saturation (79%) were identified. The patient had an excellent clinical response following a single IV dose of methylene blue. Subsequently, methemoglobin reductase activity was normal and there was no measurable hemoglobin M. The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia should be considered in any infant receiving large doses of metoclopramide who has clinical findings of cyanosis, ashen color, or a history of lethargy and/or motor restlessness.Keywords
This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effect of Metoclopramide on Prolonged Intraesophageal pH Testing in Infants with Gastroesophageal RefluxJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1986
- Effect of Metoclopramide and Bethanechol on Gastric Emptying in InfantsPediatric Research, 1985
- Gastroparesis in neonatal myotonic dystrophyMuscle & Nerve, 1984
- Pharmacological Evacuation of the Stomach with MetoclopramideActa Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 1982
- Gastroesophageal RefluxAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1982
- Enhanced Gastroduodenal Motility in ChildrenArchives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 1982
- Pharmacological Analysis of the Effects of Metoclopramide on the Guinea Pig Isolated StomachGastroenterology, 1977