Methylene Blue – Sterile Solution

(Commercial Product)

Available Dosage Strengths

10 mg/mL

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Disclaimer: Images are for reference only; actual products may vary.

Product Overview

Description

Methylene Blue – Sterile Solution Description^1-4

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.

Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action^1-4

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.

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

Wells Pharmacy Network distributes certain FDA-approved commercial products that are manufactured by third-party pharmaceutical companies. These products are not compounded or manufactured by Wells Pharmacy Network. Product availability at the time of dispensing may vary due to supply chain conditions.

This information is for educational purposes only. Compounded products have not been reviewed, approved, or evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No claims are made regarding treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition.

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