§ 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
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
Renue By Science Releases White Paper on Liposomal NAD+ and Methylene Blue Body Cream for Aging and Crepey Skin - Coastal Point
Renue By Science Releases White Paper on Liposomal NAD+ and Methylene Blue Body Cream for Aging and Crepey Skin Coastal Point
Can Methylene Blue Cure Cancer? Myths, Facts, and Powerful Scientific Evidence - Oncodaily
Can Methylene Blue Cure Cancer? Myths, Facts, and Powerful Scientific Evidence Oncodaily
Beyond Capacity: New Screening Guide Ranks the Best Methylene Blue Adsorbents - Bioengineer.org
Beyond Capacity: New Screening Guide Ranks the Best Methylene Blue Adsorbents Bioengineer.org
Methylene Blue Skincare: Qure Blue+ Serum Tested - Beauticate
Methylene Blue Skincare: Qure Blue+ Serum Tested Beauticate
What to Know About Methylene Blue - American Cancer Society
What to Know About Methylene Blue American Cancer Society
Mortar-and-Pestle MOF Strips Nearly All Methylene Blue From Water in Minutes - Bioengineer.org
Mortar-and-Pestle MOF Strips Nearly All Methylene Blue From Water in Minutes Bioengineer.org
Methylene Blue Finds a Foothold in Pediatric Refractory Shock Care, Turkish Survey Reveals - Bioengineer.org
Methylene Blue Finds a Foothold in Pediatric Refractory Shock Care, Turkish Survey Reveals Bioengineer.org
Green-Made Nanocomposite Strips Toxic Methylene Blue Dye from Water in Under an Hour - Bioengineer.org
Green-Made Nanocomposite Strips Toxic Methylene Blue Dye from Water in Under an Hour Bioengineer.org
§ 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.
Browse full supplier directory§ 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
§ 10 Questions
Methylene Blue FAQ
- What is Methylene Blue?
- Long-known synthetic dye with electron-shuttling activity; used off-label for mitochondrial support and cognition. 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.
- What is Methylene Blue used for?
- Reported uses include mitochondrial support in preclinical models, antidote for methemoglobinemia (approved indication), and cognitive effects in small human studies. Evidence strength is rated Clinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Methylene Blue dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 10 – 40 mg daily (low-dose protocols), administered Oral. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- What are the side effects of Methylene Blue?
- Commonly reported side effects include blue/green urine, serotonin syndrome risk with ssris, and gi upset at higher doses. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Methylene Blue legal?
- 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. FDA status: FDA-approved (methemoglobinemia). Off-label use for other indications..