ACUTE NITROBENZENE POISIONING WITH METHEMOGLOBINEMIA MANAGED WITH METHYLENE BLUE

Nitrobenzene poisoning is rare but can be lethal. Tissue hypoxia results from the oxidation of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin. We describe a 26-year-old male who purposefully consumed roughly 30 millilitres of a nitrobenzene-containing beverage, resulting in giddiness and recurrent vomiting. He had central cyanosis, a bluish tongue, and was awake (GCS E4V5M6) Heart rate was 123 bpm, respiratory rate 22/min, blood pressure 150/90 mmHg, and SpO₂ 78–83% on room air. ECG showed sinus tachycardia. He was started on high-flow oxygen (15 L/min) and admitted to the ICU. He was treated with IV methylene blue [50mg in 100 ml NS over 15min, stat] and supportive care. He recovered by day and was discharged. Early recognition of nitrobenzene toxicity in patients with cyanosis and low SpO₂, with prompt methylene blue and supportive care, is crucial for a good outcome.