Methylene Blue
About Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. Besides this, it can be used to treat vasodilatory shock unresponsive to conventional therapy. Methemoglobinemia is a condition that occurs when the blood cannot deliver oxygen where it is needed in the body. Vasodilatory shock is a medical emergency in which your body cannot get enough blood to your heart, brain, and kidneys.
Methylene Blue contains Methylene Blue. Methylene blue works by converting methemoglobin to a more efficient type of haemoglobin to better carry oxygen throughout the body.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Methylene Blue. You may experience mild to moderate pain at the site of injection, pain in your arms or legs, blue or green urine, altered sense of taste, headache, dizziness, sweating, skin discolouration, nausea, and feeling warm. Most of these side effects of Methylene Blue do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
If you have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, you should avoid using methylene blue. Many medicines, particularly antidepressants, can interact with methylene blue. So, before taking the Methylene Blue, inform your doctor about all of your medical issues, sensitivities, and drugs. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Uses of Methylene Blue
Medicinal Benefits
Methylene Blue contains Methylene Blue, which belongs to the class of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. Methylene blue converts methemoglobin into a more efficient type of haemoglobin to better carry oxygen throughout the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Methylene Blue
- Mild to moderate pain at the site of injection
- Pain in your arms or legs
- Blue or green urine
- Altered sense of taste
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Skin discoloration
- Nausea
- Feeling warm
Drug Warnings
It is recommended not to use it if you are allergic to methylene blue or other ingredients. Methylene blue should not be used to treat methemoglobinemia in people with glucose-6-phosphate deficiencies (G-6-PD). When methylene blue was delivered intravenously to patients who were concurrently taking other medications having serotonin reuptake inhibitor characteristics, serotonin toxicity/serotonin syndrome was reported. If drugs with serotonin reuptake inhibition capabilities are being used, they must be stopped before using methylene blue injectables to allow for a washout time of at least 4 - 5 half-lives. So, before taking the Methylene Blue, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Methylene Blue may interact with antidepressant medications (e.g. escitalopram), amino acids (e.g. 5-hydroxytryptophan), and certain central nervous system stimulant medications (e.g. amphetamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Methylene Blue may interact with disease conditions, including glucose-6-phosphate deficiencies (G-6-PD) and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Methylene Blue interacts with alcohol. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionInform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Methylene Blue.
Breast Feeding
cautionLet your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Methylene Blue; your doctor may suggest stopping breastfeeding for a certain period.
Driving
safe if prescribedMethylene Blue usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using Methylene Blue in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving Methylene Blue if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionUse with caution in patients with kidney failure, as methylene blue is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Inform your doctor before receiving Methylene Blue if you have a history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine based on your child's condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Adhering to a regular meal pattern, minimizing intake of insoluble fibers, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and fat, as well as engaging in regular physical activity and being hydrated, are all standard suggestions.
- Keep a diet or food diary.
- Make time to eat. If possible, sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal with others. Avoid eating while on the go!
- Eat three regular meals a day, at nearly the same times and in roughly the same amounts.
- Maintain an active lifestyle and get enough exercise. This will make you feel better.
- Avoid high-fat meals and limit your intake of poorly absorbed carbs.
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle and try to reduce stress as much as possible. Allow yourself time to relax and do things you enjoy.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Recommended to monitor haemoglobin and methemoglobin levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Methemoglobinemia: Methemoglobinemia is a condition that occurs when the blood cannot deliver oxygen where it is needed in the body.
Vasodilatory shock: Vasodilatory shock, also known as Distributive shock. It is a medical emergency in which your body cannot get enough blood to your heart, brain, and kidneys. This occurs when your blood vessels are highly dilated (flaccid or relaxed), lowering your blood pressure and reducing the amount of blood that can reach your organs.
FAQs
Methylene Blue is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. Besides this, it can be used to treat vasodilatory shock unresponsive to conventional therapy.
Methylene Blue contains Methylene Blue. Methylene blue converts methemoglobin into a more efficient type of haemoglobin to better carry oxygen throughout the body. Thus, it efficiently treats a condition called methemoglobinemia.
Injection site reactions, pain in your arms or legs, blue or green urine, altered sense of taste, headache, dizziness, sweating, skin discolouration, nausea, and feeling warm are the common side effects of Methylene Blue.
If you are currently taking anti-depressant medications such as escitalopram, notify your doctor before receiving methylene blue. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an uncommon but deadly disease known as serotonin syndrome, which can cause symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, dramatic fluctuations in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and fever.
