Elevated Methemoglobin Levels in a Patient Treated with Hydroxocobalamin After Suspected Cyanide Exposure

Cyanide (CN) toxicity commonly occurs during enclosed-space fires. Historically, the first step in treating CN toxicity utilized amyl nitrite and sodium nitrite to induce methemoglobinemia, which can be dangerous in this population. Hydroxocobalamin (OHCob), which binds to CN to form the nontoxic metabolite cyanocobalamin, is now the first-line antidote for CN toxicity, and has the advantage of not inducing methemoglobinemia.
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Selected Topics: Toxicology Source Type: research