Methylene blue is used in the treatment of methemoglobinemia (a condition in which blood is unable to carry oxygen). It works by converting methemoglobin to normal hemoglobin which can carry oxygen to tissues.
It is also used to treat urinary tract infection as it works by killing bacteria in the urinary tract. It may also be used as a dye to stain certain parts of the body before or during surgery.
It is available in a solution form, given only by your doctor or under his/her supervision.
Before using Methylene blue, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
Allergy
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.
Children
There are no adequate studies done which prove Methylene Blue effects in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established.
Elderly
There are no adequate studies done which prove Methylene Blue effects in the elderly patient.
Pregnancy
It is a category X drug. It should not be used during pregnancy. It causes harm and abnormalities in an unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Methylene Blue is not known if it can pass into breast milk or not. If you are using it while nursing, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Methylene Blue may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.
Some of them are listed below,
- Demerol
- Almotriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Naratriptan
- Rizatriptan
- Sumatriptan
- Zolmitriptan
- Carbidopa
- Levodopa
- Pramipexole
- Ropinirole
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Venlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Duloxetine
- Amitriptyline
- Clomipramine
- Desipramine
- Doxepin
- Imipramine
- Nortriptyline
- Protriptyline
- Trimipramine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Maprotiline
- Mirtazapine
- Nefazodone
- Trazodone
- Vilazodone
Other Medical Problem
Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.
Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:
- Kidney disease
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (g6pd) deficiency.
Before using Methylene blue, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.
Use an effective form of birth control methods as Methylene Blue can harm an unborn baby.
It is known to cause serious life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with other medicines such as:
- MAOIs
- SNRIs
- SSRIs
- ergot alkaloids
- eletriptan, sumatriptan
- zolmitriptan
- and antibiotics such as linezolid
Inform your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as:
It may affect results of some medical tests.
Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Methylene blue to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.
Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:
More common are:
- Greenish blue to blue discoloration of the urine and stools.
Less common are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful urination or increased need to urinate
- Mild bladder irritation
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increased sweating
Some serious side effects are:
- Pain in your chest or behind your breastbone
- Pale or blue skin
- High fever, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing
- Confusion, feeling like you might pass out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
