Primaquine-induced methemoglobinemia in a child treated for malaria

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia results from an increased concentration of methemoglobin in the blood, impairing oxygen delivery to tissues. It is considered a rare condition that requires a high diagnostic suspicion. We report the case of a pediatric patient with malaria who presented with cyanosis and hypoxemia as manifestations of methemoglobinemia induced by primaquine treatment. The patient responded adequately after antimalarial drug suspension and ascorbic acid administration.