Methylene Blue
Mitochondrial electron carrier, FDA Rx for methemoglobinemia, low-dose nootropic.
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WHAT IS METHYLENE BLUE?
Detailed overview
Methylene Blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a classical phenothiazine dye (known since 1876), an FDA-approved drug for methemoglobinemia (Provayblue®) and on the WHO Essential Medicines list. **At low doses (10-50 mg oral, USP-grade purity)** a nootropic effect is described: as a mitochondrial electron carrier (artificial shuttle) it bypasses damaged complex I/III units, sustains ATP synthesis and reduces oxidative stress (PMID 17928358). Cerebral blood flow improvement (PMC10638993), and **mild MAO-A inhibition** (PMID 31144270) → elevation of serotonin/dopamine/noradrenaline → mood improvement. **⚠️ At high doses (>4 mg/kg) it flips pro-oxidant** and disrupts mitochondrial balance. **⚠️ Serotonin-syndrome risk with SSRI/SNRI** (Lexapro, Zoloft etc.) due to MAO-A inhibition – AVOID THIS COMBINATION. Industrial dye grade (textile/laboratory dye) is NOT pharmaceutical quality → do NOT ingest.
Mechanism
Mitochondrial electron carrier + MAO-A
Half-life
~5-6.5 h
Legal status
FDA Rx (methemoglobinemia)
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Blue-green discoloration of urine and stool (harmless but common)
- Nausea, stomach upset, digestive discomfort with oral dosing
- Dysuria, urinary tract irritation, frequent urination
- Headache, dizziness at higher doses
- Mild tongue, teeth or skin staining, metallic taste
- At high doses (>4 mg/kg) pro-oxidant effect, paradoxical methemoglobinemia
Contraindications · 5
- Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans) – serotonin syndrome risk from MAO-A inhibition, avoid combination
- G6PD deficiency – risk of severe hemolytic anemia, contraindicated
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – avoid (risk of fetal harm)
- Severe renal impairment – reduced clearance, increased accumulation
- Only USP pharmaceutical-grade form; industrial dye grade is NOT for ingestion
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
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The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.