Methylene blue

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 19, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Provayblue

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antidote

Uses for methylene blue

Methylene blue injection is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. This condition occurs when the blood cannot deliver oxygen where it is needed in the body.

Methylene blue is to be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.

Before using methylene blue

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For methylene blue, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to methylene blue or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Safety and efficacy have been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of methylene blue injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving methylene blue.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving methylene blue, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using methylene blue with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Amitriptyline
• Amoxapine
• Amphetamine
• Atomoxetine
• Benzphetamine
• Bupropion
• Carbamazepine
• Carbidopa
• Carbinoxamine
• Citalopram
• Clomipramine
• Codeine
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Desipramine
• Desvenlafaxine
• Deutetrabenazine
• Dexmethylphenidate
• Dextroamphetamine
• Doxepin
• Doxylamine
• Duloxetine
• Entacapone
• Escitalopram
• Fenfluramine
• Fluoxet..