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Urolene Blue Side Effects

Generic name: methylene blue

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about methylene blue. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Urolene Blue.

Applies to methylene blue: intravenous solution.

Warning

Intravenous route (Solution)

Warning: Serotonin Syndrome With Concomitant Use of Serotonergic Drugs And Opioids. Methylene blue may cause serious or fatal serotonergic syndrome when used in combination with serotonergic drugs. Avoid concomitant use of methylene blue with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Serious side effects of Urolene Blue

Along with its needed effects, methylene blue (the active ingredient contained in Urolene Blue) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methylene blue:

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking methylene blue:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Urolene Blue

Some side effects of methylene blue may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to methylene blue: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, chest discomfort, presyncope, syncope

Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmia, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis

Frequency not reported: Hemolytic anemia, hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, hemoglobin decreased, hyperbilirubinemia (in infants only)[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like illness[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pain, injection site discomfort

Frequency not reported: Infusion site extravasation, infusion site induration, infusion site pruritus, infusion site swelling, infusion site urticaria, peripheral swelling[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Pain in extremity (84%)

Common (1% to 10%): Musculoskeletal pain, back pain, muscle spasms, chills, arthralgia

Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome, myalgia[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Mydriasis, eye pruritus, ocular hyperemia, vision blurred[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite, limb discomfort

Frequency not reported: Local tissue necrosis at the injection site[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety

Frequency not reported: Confusional state, agitation[Ref]

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Chromaturia (blue-green) (74%)

Frequency not reported: Dysuria[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Elevated liver enzymes[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea

Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxia, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Feeling hot (17%), fever

Common (1% to 10%): Feeling cold, discomfort, catheter site pain

Frequency not reported: Genotoxicity, fever, lack of effectiveness, interference with in-vivo monitoring devices, interference with laboratory tests[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Dysgeusia (20%), dizziness (16%), headache (10%), paresthesia

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, paresthesia oral, dizziness postural

Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome (with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs), tremor, aphasia, tremor, aphasia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Skin discoloration (blue) (13%), hyperhidrosis (13%), sweating

Common (1% to 10%): Pallor, contact dermatitis, pruritus, cold sweat, erythema

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, necrotic ulcer, papule, phototoxicity, rash (blue macules, severe burning pain)[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hypoesthesia oral, oral discomfort

Frequency not reported: Feces discoloration (blue-green), dry mouth, flatulence, glossodynia, tongue eruption, thirst, oropharyngeal pain, blue colored saliva[Ref]

More about Urolene Blue (methylene blue)

Patient resources

Other brands

ProvayBlue

Professional resources

Other brands

ProvayBlue

Related treatment guides

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. Methylene Blue (methylene blue). American Regent Laboratories Inc. 2012.

4. Product Information. Provayblue (methylene blue). American Regent Laboratories Inc. 2017.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.