Methylene Blue

Generic name: Methylene Blue [ METH-i-leen-bloo ]
Brand name: ProvayBlue
Drug classes: Antidotes, Miscellaneous diagnostic dyes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2023.

Warning

A severe and sometimes deadly problem called serotonin syndrome may happen. The risk may be greater if you also take certain other drugs. Call your doctor right away if you have agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up; or very bad headache.
Talk with your doctor if you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with methylene blue, like certain drugs that are used for low mood (depression), other mental or mood problems, or migraine headaches. There are many drugs that must not be taken with methylene blue or for some time before methylene blue is started. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of Methylene Blue:

It is used to treat methemoglobinemia.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Methylene Blue?

If you have an allergy to methylene blue or any other part of methylene blue.
If you are allergic to methylene blue; any part of methylene blue; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have G6PD deficiency.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take methylene blue if you are pregnant.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take methylene blue or within 8 days after your last dose.
If methylene blue is not being given into a vein. This medicine must not be given into the spine. Talk with the doctor.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with methylene blue.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take methylene blue with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Methylene Blue?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take methylene blue. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
You may need to have an ECG checked before starting methylene blue and while taking it. Talk with your doctor.
This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take methylene blue.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how methylene blue affects you.
You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking methylene blue, call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Methylene Blue) best taken?

Use methylene blue as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Dizziness or passing out.
Feeling confused.
Headache.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Sweating a lot.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pain.
Fever.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Pale skin.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.

What are some other side effects of Methylene Blue?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Diarrhea.
Change in color of urine or stool to blue or green.
Belly pain.
Change in color of skin to blue-green.
Pain in arms or legs.
Feeling hot or cold.
Change in taste.
Muscle pain.
Pain where the shot was given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Methylene Blue?

If you need to store methylene blue at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about methylene blue, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.