Methylene Blue
Description
Methylene blue injection is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. This condition occurs when the blood is unable to deliver oxygen where it is needed in the body. This medication should only be administered by or under the supervision of a physician.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Solution
Before using
When deciding to use a medication, the risks of taking the medication must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision for you and your doctor to make. For this drug, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine. Also tell your healthcare professional if you have any other allergies, such as food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies to date have not demonstrated specific geriatric problems that would limit the usefulness of methylene blue injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems, which may require caution and dose adjustment for patients receiving this drug.
Breast-feeding
There are no adequate studies on women to determine the infant risk of using this medicine while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
Other interactions
Certain medications should not be used at or near the time of eating food or eating certain types of food, as interactions may occur. The use of alcohol or tobacco with certain medications can also cause interactions. Talk to your health care professional about using your medication with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (an inherited metabolic disorder that affects red blood cells): May cause hemolytic anaemia or worsen methemoglobinemia.
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased due to the slower elimination of the drug from the body.
Appropriate use
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for 5 to 30 minutes.
