Last update July 31, 2022
Likely Compatibility
We do not have alternatives for Methylene blue.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Methylene blue is also known as
Methylene blue in other languages or writings:
Methylene blue belongs to these groups or families:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Methylene blue in its composition:
Variable | Value | Unit |
---|---|---|
Oral Bioavail. | 50 - 97 | % |
Molecular weight | 374 / 320 | daltons |
VD | 2.1 (1 - 3.7) | l/Kg |
Tmax | oral: 1 - 2 | hours |
T½ | 5 - 6; oral: 207; subare: 11 | hours |
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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by La Liga de la Leche, España of Spain
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It is a thiazine dye that is used intravenously (a single dose of 1-2 mg/kg, maximum 100 mg)) in the treatment of methemoglobinemia (secondary to nitrites, anilines, cyanides and other toxins), neurotoxicity due to ifosfamide, refractory vasoplegic shock and, locally, in diagnostic or surgical procedures (detection of fistulae, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and parathyroid gland staining). It is also an antiseptic component in preparations for topical application to the eyes, mouth, pharynx and skin. (Martindale, Pushparajah 2021)
Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.
The paucity of known pharmacokinetic data does not allow prediction of possible excretion in breast milk.
Authorized use in Pediatrics, including newborns. (1-2 mg/kg).
Given the low plasma levels of methylene blue after a treatment dose (Shah-Khan 2012, Repici 2012, Pruthi 2011, Gillman 2011), the maximum concentration that it would reach in breast milk would imply a theoretical dose for the infant that is much lower than that used in Pediatrics.
Avoid it on those patients suffering of G-6-P dehydrogenasa deficiency. Monitor premature or infant less than 1 month for side-effects (haemolysis and jaundice). (WHO 2002)
TOPICAL USE:
The small dose and poor plasma absorption of most topical ophthalmological preparations make it unlikely that significant amounts will transfer into breastmilk. Topical use of Methylene blue is compatible with breastfeeding.