Drug Induced Methemoglobinemia

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is a rare disorder of the blood in which there is an increase in the proportion of hemoglobin (Hb) present in the oxidized form (methemoglobin - mHb). Methemoglobinemia (congenital or acquired) occurs when red blood cells (RBCs) contain mHb at higher levels exceeds 1%, resulting in decreased oxygen availability to the tissues. This mini-review updates recent insights into some oxidative drugs that induce methemoglobinemia.