Methemoglobinemia

Treatment:

Medications used to treat this disorder include:

• high doses of oral ascorbic acid (only in cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency)
• methylene blue (only in cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency)

Expectations (prognosis):

With the exception of Type II cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency, cyanosis should be the only significant symptom barring exposure to chemicals that might cause a crisis.

Complications:

• mental retardation

Calling your health care provider:

Call to make an appointment with your health care provider if there is a family history of methemoglobinemia and you develop symptoms of this disorder.
Call to see your health care provider immediately if there is severe shortness of breath.