Jl. Currie et al., POTENTIAL FOR AN EXTERNAL VAGINAL ANTIITCH CREAM CONTAINING BENZOCAINE TO CAUSE METHEMOGLOBINEMIA IN HEALTHY WOMEN, American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 176(5), 1997, pp. 1006-1008
OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to assess the potential for an external Va
ginal antiitch cream (20% benzocaine, 3% resorcinol) to significantly
increase levels of methemoglobin above normal in healthy women. STUDY
DESIGN: Fifty-five women reporting external vaginal itch were recruite
d for the study. Each patient was used as her own control with methemo
globin levels being measured before and after use of the cream. Women
were instructed to apply a I-inch strip of cream by fingertip to the e
xternal genital area three or four times a day for 7 consecutive days.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in methemoglobin level
s before and after use or in levels from a subgroup of women aged >50
years compared with levels in a younger population. CONCLUSIONS: This
preparation appears to be safe when used as directed; however, the res
ults cannot he extrapolated to the very young. Nevertheless, lavish or
frequent application over wide areas of excoriation might lead to tox
ic concentrations and methemoglobinemia. Therefore patients with serio
us vaginal disease should be advised against self-treatment beyond the
7-day limit imposed by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-
counter external analgesic medications.