What is Methylene blue?
The methemoglobin form is hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, a component of blood that distributes oxygen to tissues and organs, is the substance that transports oxygen. Methemoglobin, however, is a different type of hemoglobin that is less useful for carrying oxygen. Normally, methemoglobin is found in very small quantities in the blood. When methemoglobin increases, blood circulation is reduced. Lack of oxygen in the blood can lead to symptoms like pale, blue, or even black skin. Metahemoglobinemia occurs when methemoglobin levels are high in the blood. When a person has been exposed to chemicals or drugs such as nitrites, they can develop methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is treated with a methylene blue injection. Methylene blue converts methemoglobin into a type of hemoglobin that is more effective at carrying oxygen through the body. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Methylene Blue.
Side effects of Methylene blue
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue and difficulty swallowing or swallowing food, seek medical assistance immediately.
If you:
- Confidence or weakness
- Pale or yellowed complexion;
- Dark-colored urine
- Fever;
- High levels of serotonin may lead to anxiety, hallucinations and fever.
Methylene blue can cause a variety of side effects.
- You may experience pain in the arms and legs.
- Blue or green urine
- A changed sense of taste
- Headache, dizziness;
- Sweating, skin discoloration;
- Nausea;
- Feeling hot
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
methylene blue, Provay blue
Warnings
If you are deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, then you should avoid using methylene blue. Methylene blue can cause interactions with many drugs. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking and those that you have recently discontinued, including antidepressants.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic or have any of the following:
- A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Methylene blue can be affected by many drugs. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking and those that you have recently discontinued, including:
- Alfentanil, fentanyl;
- Buspirone;
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine;
- Phenytoin;
- Pimozide;
- Quinidine;
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others;
- An "SSRI" antidepressant—citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others;
- Take an "SNRI" antidepressant (devenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran or venlafaxine from an "SNRI" medication such as desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran milnacipran or venlafaxine; including those found in Effexor, Cymbalta Pristiq or similar brands);
- Other antidepressants—bupropion, clomipramine, and mirtazapine;
- Cryosporine, sirolimus and tacrolimus are three anti rejection medicines commonly prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that methylene is right for you:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
The unborn child could be harmed by methylene-blue use during pregnancy. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. You should not use your breast pump for 8 days following the receipt of methylene blue. Throw away any collected milk. You should not give it to your child.
How to take Methylene blue?
The methylene blue injection is administered through an intravenous route. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional. It can take 30 minutes for the IV to be completed. While you receive methylene blue, your vital signs, such as breathing, blood oxygen level, kidney function, and more, will be closely monitored. To determine if the medication is effective, your blood must be tested. Methylene blue may be administered in a single dose. You can receive a second dose 1 hour after the first. Your urine or stool will likely appear green or blue if you use methylene blue. It is not harmful, and it's a common side effect. This effect can cause abnormal results in certain urine tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss any doses of methylene blue because you'll be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, feeling as if you are about to pass out, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, and tremor. Other signs can be dilated pupils, blue lips or skin, and numbness or tingling.
What should be avoided?
Methylene blue can cause blurred or double vision, and it may also affect your ability to think clearly. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly. Avoid sunlight and tanning booths for at least 24 hours after treatment. Sunburn can be a problem if you take this medicine. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Interaction with other drug
Some drugs are not compatible with methylene blue. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This medication guide does not list all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and any you may have taken recently before you started treatment with Methylene Blue.
