Methylene Blue

Drug #469

Methylene Blue is used in the treatment of cyanide poisoning and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder). it is also used as a diagnostic agent because of its blue staining properties. itadministered orally and parentrally. It is not available in any combination preparations. Chemicaly itidentified as 3, 7-bis (dimethylamino) phenothiazine-5-ium chloride trihydrate.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Methylthionine.

It is classified in Antidotes pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 373.9 · pK_a: 0-1 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 25 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 65 · Non-proprietary name: Methylene Blue.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Methylene Blue has an oral bioavailability is 75% (±22%).

Elimination: it is metabolised via through Tissues, renal excretion is 53-97%.

Indications

Methylene Blue is primarily indicated in conditions like Drug-induced methemoglobinemia, Gastric reflux, Gastrointestinal fistulae diagnosis, Genetic methemoglobinemia.

Contraindications

Methylene Blue is contraindicated in conditions like G6pd deficiency, Renal impairment.

Dosage

Methylene Blue's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1.5 mg/kg	1.5 mg/kg	—	IV	Over 5 min repeated if necessary repeated if necessary after 1hr.
4.5 mg/kg	4.5 mg/kg	—	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
2 mg/kg	2 mg/kg	Every 8h	Oral
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
3 mg/kg	3 mg/kg	Every 8h	Oral	-

Drug Interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Methylene Blue in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Anemia , Anemia , Methemoglobinemia , Hyperbilirubinemia, Hemolysis in infants , Necrotic ulcers , Spinal cord necrosis , Paraplegia , Methemoglobinemia, Anemia, Anemia, Haemolytic anemia.

Methylene Blue produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiac arrhythmias, Hypotension. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Methylene Blue are Nausea, Confusion , Headache, Abdominal pain, Discoloration of urine.

Methylene Blue is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Apprehension, Chest pain, Confusion, Diarrhea, Discoloration of urine, Dizziness, Dyspnea, Dysuria, Headache, Nausea, Sweating , Tachycardia, Tremors, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Methylene blue should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing kidney disease, blood disorders (especially G6PD deficiency) or any allergy. This should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Methylene blue should not be used to treat methemoglobinemia associated with the cyanide toxicity.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Methylene Blue should be stored Inj.

Drug Classification

1.4.2.6 — Methemoglobinemia