Methylene Blue
What Is Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue is the parent compound of hydroxychloroquine—the same drug that gained widespread attention in recent years when used as an off-patent treatment for COVID-19. Beyond its medical applications, methylene blue is also known as a fish tank antiseptic and a textile dye, famously used for dyeing blue jeans.
Fun fact: Methylene blue was the first synthetic drug in modern history, developed in 1876—nearly 150 years ago.
Over the past century and a half, methylene blue has played several important and life-saving roles in medicine. In 1890, it was used to address malaria after it was discovered to inhibit key enzymes that support the survival of the parasite. It was also one of the earliest antipsychotic remedies and has been used for its antiviral and antiseptic properties. Today, methylene blue remains in use as an antidote for certain types of blood or mitochondrial poisoning in hospitals.
How It Works
Methylene blue behaves differently depending on the dose:
- Low doses have antioxidant effects and are often used to support cognition, mitochondrial function, and energy production. It assists in mitochondrial respiration, improves oxygen consumption, and enhances cellular energy output. It also promotes the delivery of oxygenated hemoglobin to tissues, aiding in repair and healing. This is particularly beneficial for brain function, which is why methylene blue has been shown to support cognitive health.
- High doses are pro-oxidative, meaning they can kill bacteria and even tumor cells. For decades, high-dose methylene blue was used to address urinary tract infections (UTIs), as it effectively targets pathogens in the bladder without disrupting the gut microbiome like traditional antibiotics.
Contraindications
Methylene blue is not suitable for everyone:
- Individuals with G6PD deficiency (a genetic enzyme disorder) should not use methylene blue, as it can cause serious side effects. A simple blood test can detect this deficiency.
- Methylene blue in high doses should not be combined with certain antidepressants, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Dosage
Dosing varies based on age, body weight, and the intended use:
- Low-dose adult ranges: approximately 10–30 mg
- High-dose adult ranges: up to 100 mg
At the Natural Medicine Center, we use hand-compounded prescription methylene blue capsules. This ensures quality control and also avoids the “blue mouth” effect often seen with liquid forms.
Methylene blue can also be used in children, for conditions such as ADHD and more. Pediatric dosing is carefully determined by our practitioners on a case-by-case basis.
Sources: Mark Sloan- The Ultimate Guide to Methylene Blue