Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare but potentially fatal condition. It occurs when the haem molecule of haemoglobin is oxidized from ferrous to ferric form1,2. Methaemoglobin has decreased oxygen carrying capacity. It also causes leftward shift of the oxygen dissociation curve, thus impairing tissue oxygenation1,2. Methaemoglobinaemia can be congenital or, more commonly, acquired3. Many toxins have been implicated in acquired methaemoglobinaemia including local anaesthetics, metoclopramide, cocaine and volatile nitrites4,5.

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