ABSTRACT

Meprylcaine is a local anesthetic that was used as surface anesthetic for the oral mucosa. It appears not to be employed as pharmaceutical anymore. This chapter provides monographs of meprylcaine which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; and contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. In Leuven, Belgium, in the period 1990-2014, iatrogenic contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 2600 individuals (17% of the total patch test population). 96% of all positive patch test reactions to topical drugs and antiseptics were considered to be relevant. Meprylcaine (5% pet.) was tested in 69 patients and there were 2 positive reactions to it. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.