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ClinicalMitochondrialOralDaily

Methylene Blue

Long-known synthetic dye with electron-shuttling activity; used off-label for mitochondrial support and cognition.

Read dosing protocol

◆ Editorial note

Synthetic dye / redox-active molecule. Not a peptide.

§ 01   Overview

Overview

Long-known synthetic dye with electron-shuttling activity; used off-label for mitochondrial support and cognition.

FDA-approved for methemoglobinemia. Off-label cognitive and mitochondrial use has small trial support.

§ 02   Mechanism

Mechanism of action

Methylene blue can accept and donate electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, bypassing complex I/III dysfunction in some models. It has MAO-inhibitory activity and antimicrobial effects at higher doses.

  • 01Mitochondrial support in preclinical models
  • 02Antidote for methemoglobinemia (approved indication)
  • 03Cognitive effects in small human studies

§ 03   Dosing

Dosing protocol

Standard Protocol

Dose Range
10 – 40 mg daily (low-dose protocols)
Starting Dose
10 mg
Route
Oral
Timing
AM
Frequency
Daily

§ 04   Evidence

Evidence & research

Clinical

FDA-approved for methemoglobinemia. Off-label cognitive and mitochondrial use has small trial support.

FDA Status

FDA-approved (methemoglobinemia). Off-label use for other indications.

§ 06   News

In the news

8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly

§ 07   Sourcing

Sourcing & supply

Regulatory status

FDA-approved

This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.

No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.

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§ 09   Safety

Safety & side effects

Side effects

  • 01Blue/green urine
  • 02Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs
  • 03GI upset at higher doses

Contraindications

  • 01Serotonergic medications (SSRIs/SNRIs; serotonin syndrome risk)
  • 02G6PD deficiency
  • 03Pregnancy
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