Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue is a synthetic dye with both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine. It is primarily used to treat methemoglobinemia, a condition where hemoglobin cannot release oxygen to tissues effectively. Additionally, it serves as a visualizing agent during certain surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Methylene Blue is a versatile medication used to treat methemoglobinemia and as a diagnostic dye in medical procedures.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AB17
- RxNorm
- 6878
- Generic
- Methylene Blue
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Hyophen, Phosphasal, Ustell, Prosed DS, Urogesic Blue Reformulated Apr 2012, Urimar Reformulated Oct 2013, Urin DS, Uro-Blue, Provayblue, Uretron DS, Uribel Tabs, Urelle, Utira, Uribel
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed, avoid prolonged use
fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 days after last dose
monitor infant for symptoms of methylene blue exposure
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended for pediatric use
avoid use in children and adolescents due to risk of severe adverse reactions
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusstart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity, monitor renal function
monitor renal function, blood pressure, and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution, monitor renal function closely
monitor renal function tests, adjust dose based on creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or use significantly reduced dose
avoid use in severe renal impairment unless absolutely necessary
close monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution, may need dose reduction
use with caution, monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
avoid in severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Therapeutic classification of Methylene Blue
Primary indication
Primary FDA-approved therapeutic use
Secondary uses
Off-label and traditional therapeutic applications
FDA approval status
Regulatory approval status for medical use
Treatment of methemoglobinemia, including drug-induced cases; used as a visualizing agent in surgical procedures such as identification of fistulas, assessment of tissue viability, and localization of parathyroid glands; has been investigated for antiviral and potential neuroprotective applications.
Methylene Blue acts as an electron carrier in the NADPH-dependent methemoglobin reductase pathway, reducing methemoglobin back to functional hemoglobin. It also exhibits redox properties that may contribute to its effects in other conditions.
Should be used with caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency due to risk of hemolytic anemia. Common side effects include blue-green discoloration of urine and feces, nausea, headache, and dizziness. May interact with serotonergic medications. Administered intravenously for acute methemoglobinemia treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy