Methylene blue

Am J Ther. 2003 Jul-Aug;10(4):289-91. doi: 10.1097/00045391-200307000-00009.

Abstract

Methylene blue finds its major utilization in toxicology in the treatment of methemoglobinemia at a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg intravenously. By interacting with methemoglobin and the erythrocyte's enzyme systems to reduce back to hemoglobin, methylene blue is a generally safe drug with dose-related hemolytic effects. People with G-6-PD deficiency, along with patients exposed to aniline dyes and dapsone, may present with special risks in the treatment of methemoglobinemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / pharmacokinetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Methemoglobinemia / drug therapy
  • Methylene Blue* / adverse effects
  • Methylene Blue* / pharmacokinetics
  • Methylene Blue* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Methylene Blue