Methylene Blue – Sterile Solution

(Commercial Product)

Available Dosage Strengths

10 mg/mL

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Product Overview

Description

Methylene blue, a phenothiazine derivative and a dye used in the textile industry, was synthesized in 1876. It is a small molecular weight lipophilic drug that can distribute quickly into tissues. Thus, because of these properties, it has been used during procedures including surgeries as an imaging agent. Besides its use for procedural staining, methylene blue has clinical applications during sepsis, for anti-inflective including malaria, and methemoglobinemia. Additionally, it has also been used as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant, methylene blue has been used in brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and for skin aging. ^1-4

Mechanism of Action

For methemoglobinemia, methylene blue is converted to leucomethylene blue by NADPH reductase. Leucomethylene blue accelerates the reduction of the ferric iron of methemoglobin to the ferrous state of normal hemoglobin, allowing for oxygen delivery to tissues.

For aging and brain disorders, it reduces the formation of free radicals and aids in the resolution of mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissue.

For skin aging, methylene blue has been shown to increase lifespan and cell proliferation while reducing aging markers. ^1-4

Adverse Reactions

Common (at doses exceeding 2-7 mg/kg) ^2,3

Cardiovascular- chest pain, tachycardia, hypertension

Gastrointestinal adverse reactions- lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

Hematological-hemolytic anemia

Dermatological-skin discoloration

Miscellaneous-paradoxical methemoglobinemia

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications:   ^2,3

Known hypersensitivity to methylene blue or any other thiazine dye

 Intrathecal administration and subcutaneous administration

Methylene blue is a monoamine oxide inhibitor—do not administer in patients on serotonergic medications

Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency) due to the risk of severe hemolysis and severe anemia

Precautions:   ^2,3

Methylene blue may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy

Renal and hepatic impairment patients

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of any unused medication in the vial 28 days after 1^st use.

References

Xue H, Thaivalappil A, Cao K. The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells. 2021 Dec 1;10(12):3379.
Bužga M, Machytka E, Dvořáčková E, Švagera Z, Stejskal D, Máca J, Král J. Methylene blue: a controversial diagnostic acid and medication? Toxicol Res (Camb). 2022 Aug 30;11(5):711-717.
Clinical Pharmacology methylene blue clinical monograph 2025 https://www.clinicalkey.com/pharmacology/
Xiong ZM, O’Donovan M, Sun L, Choi JY, Ren M, Cao K. Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity. Sci Rep. 2017 May 30;7(1):2475.

Disclaimer

This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible drug information about this product. Call your doctor for medical advice and/or about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A Wells Pharmacy Network pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions. For consultation, please call 1-800-622-4510.