Methylene Blue

Some people have been messaging me about Methylene Blue therapy. I have read the pros and cons. I am going to take the position of con simply because the side effects are not worth the risk and I am in the business of keeping people healthy, I would rather use more natural sources of antioxidants! So, here is the list of things that can go wrong:
1. Nausea or vomiting: Methylene blue may cause nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach in some individuals.
2. Headaches: In rare cases, headaches can occur after consuming methylene blue.
3. Methemoglobinemia: High doses of methylene blue can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced. This is usually temporary and resolves once the medication is discontinued.
4. Skin reactions: Some people may experience skin reactions such as itching or rash after using methylene blue.
5. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur, with symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
6. Interaction with other medications: Methylene blue can interact with certain medications, such as antihypertensives (medications that lower blood pressure), and should be used cautiously in combination with these drugs.
7. Eye irritation: When applied directly to the eyes, methylene blue can cause eye irritation or discomfort.

References:

1. Kelleher J, Methylene Blue, in “Textbook of Chelation Therapy,” (2004) 3rd edition, pages 68-74.
2. Zhang Y, et al., “Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Methylene Blue,” Current Drug Targets, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 309-316 (2014).
3. Mashour GR, et al., “Methylene blue enhances learning and memory in mice,” Neurobiology of Disease, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 479-486 (2016).
4. Frenkel A, et al., “Antibacterial properties of methylene blue against Staphylococcus aureus,” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 729-735 (2004).
5. Bhatia JP, et al., “Methylene blue inhibits the mitochondrial electron transport chain and protects against reactive oxygen species-induced damage,” European Heart Journal, vol. 28, no. 15, pp. 1370-1376 (2007).