Methylene Blue (Systemic)

Brand Names : Urolene Blue, aniline violet, methylthionine chloride, tetramethylthionine chloride

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking the tablet form of this medicine:

• Take tablets after meals with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Take this medicine only as directed . Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than recommended on the label unless directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing - The dose of methylene blue will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of methylene blue. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For methemoglobinemia:
    • Adults and children - 100 to 300 milligrams (mg) a day.
• For injection dosage form:
  • For methemoglobinemia:
    • Adults and children - Dose is based on body weight or size and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 to 2 mg per kilogram (kg) (0.45 to 0.9 mg per pound) of body weight, or 25 to 50 mg per square meter of body surface area, injected into a vein over a period of five minutes. A second dose may be given after one hour, if needed.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.