A Case of Methemoglobinemia and Hemolysis from Sodium Chlorite Ingestion

Sodium chlorite is a household and industrial cleaning agent that can cause oxidative stress leading to methemoglobinemia and severe hemolysis when ingested. There is a scarcity of published literature reporting this in humans. We report a case of intentional sodium chlorite ingestion for homeopathic purposes that resulted in methemoglobinemia and hemolysis, requiring admission to the intensive care unit. Following successful treatment with methylene blue, the patient developed worsening hemolytic activity. Outpatient testing later revealed she was non- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Hemolysis precipitated by methylene blue is an underrecognized side effect that can be observed in individuals both with and without G6PD deficiency.