Quote:Is methylene blue safe?
Methylene blue is generally safe when used properly. However, like many other treatments, methylene blue still has the potential to be harmful. And certain groups of people are at higher risk than others.
Risk of serotonin syndrome
Methylene blue has a boxed warning — the FDA’s most serious type of warning — for a risk of serotonin syndrome when used with other medications that raise serotonin levels.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that is caused by too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms can include muscle spasms, sweating, and agitation, among others.
You shouldn’t receive methylene blue if you’re taking medications that affect serotonin levels.
Some of the more common medications that can increase your risk for serotonin syndrome include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline (Elavil)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Buspirone (Buspar)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Lithium
Triptans and ergot derivatives, which are used to treat migraine headaches
Prescription pain medications (like opioids)
Recreational substance use can also raise your risk for serotonin syndrome, especially amphetamines, MDMA, and cocaine.
There are many other medications that can raise serotonin levels. If you are in a situation where you may be exposed to methylene blue, such as before surgery, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider beforehand about all of the medications you take or use.
Quote:Is methylene blue being studied for any other uses?
Researchers are looking into whether methylene blue can benefit other health conditions. This includes:
Alzheimer’s disease: Researchers are looking into hydromethylthionine’s (a chemical made from methylene blue) potential to slow memory loss in people with Alzheimer's dementia.
Anti-aging: Even outside of dementia, methylene blue’s antioxidant activity is being investigated. Some researchers are looking to see if it can help slow damage to the skin or improve age-related memory.
Lyme disease: In a lab, methylene blue was effective at killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Chemotherapy and radiation-induced mouth sores: Small studies suggest that methylene blue-based mouth rinses may help reduce mouth sore-related pain (mucositis) caused by chemotherapy and radiation.
Keep in mind: Although methylene blue’s anti-aging effects may seem exciting, this use is considered investigational. Over-the-counter methylene blue products aren’t regulated by the FDA, either. Safe and effective doses have not been established for this purpose.
The bottom line
Methylene blue is a medication and laboratory-made dye that has been repurposed for many different uses.
However, it’s only approved to treat acquired methemoglobinemia.
People who are pregnant or nursing, take medications that raise serotonin levels, or have a G6PD deficiency should avoid this medication.
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