Methylene Blue
meth-ih-LEEN broo(h)l
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for methemoglobinemia; investigated off-label for mitochondrial/cognitive effects
Standard Dose
As directed by clinician or product protocol
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral or Injectable
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Methylene blue is best known clinically for treating methemoglobinemia - a condition where blood can't carry oxygen properly due to altered hemoglobin. In the lab and in some off-label 'biohacker' use, low doses are discussed as a mitochondrial/electron-related compound and a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. The big practical warning: it can interact with serotonergic drugs and can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It also turns urine blue/green, which is expected and not dangerous on its own.
Plain-language summary
Methylene blue is best known clinically for treating methemoglobinemia - a condition where blood can't carry oxygen properly due to altered hemoglobin. In the lab and in some off-label 'biohacker' use, low doses are discussed as a mitochondrial/electron-related compound and a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. The big practical warning: it can interact with serotonergic drugs and can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It also turns urine blue/green, which is expected and not dangerous on its own.
Administration Routes
- Oral
- Injectable
Also known as
Mechanisms
MAO inhibitor (context-dependent; weak at low doses); electron transport/mitochondrial redox cycling; methemoglobinemia reversal via redox chemistry
Detailed mechanism
Methylene blue acts as an electron acceptor/donor in redox reactions. In methemoglobinemia, it helps restore hemoglobin to its functional (oxygen-carrying) form via redox cycling. Separately, low-dose discussions often describe mild MAO inhibition and mitochondrial electron transport/redox effects, which may influence cellular energy handling.
Safety
Side effects
- Blue-green urine and sometimes discoloration of skin (expected)
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, or GI upset (may occur)
- Potential for serotonin syndrome risk when combined with serotonergic meds
Reported benefits
- FDA-approved treatment for methemoglobinemia
- Research interest in mitochondrial redox support
- Off-label interest in cognitive/mood effects
Safety profile
Main risk is drug–drug interaction with serotonergic/MAO-active medications (serotonin syndrome). Other notable effects include urine discoloration and, in susceptible patients (e.g., G6PD deficiency), risk of hemolysis.
Clinical trials
Clinical use for methemoglobinemia is established; cognitive/mitochondrial uses are supported mainly by smaller studies and mechanistic rationale.
Structure
Verified structure
Methylene Blue
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C16H18ClN3S
- Molecular Weight
- 319.85 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 61-73-4
- InChIKey
- CXKWCBBOMKCUKX-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Stack Context
No stack data available.
References
- 1View source
Methylene Blue as a Nootropic and Neuroprotective Agent (Frontiers in Neurology)
2016
- 2View source
Low-dose methylene blue enhances memory in rats (PubMed)
2012
- 3View source
Provayblue (methylene blue) for injection - FDA drug approval NDA 204630 (FDA CDER Drug Database)
2016
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.