Methylene Blue
Also known as Methylthioninium Chloride
Methylene blue is a synthetic phenothiazine compound with a long history of clinical use, most notably for treating methemoglobinemia and as an antimalarial and diagnostic dye. In recent years, low oral doses have drawn interest for potential cognitive and mitochondrial-support applications, distinct from its higher-dose clinical uses. Its long medical track record means more toxicological data exist for it than for many newer compounds, but the off-label, low-dose cognitive-enhancement use case has not been rigorously studied. It carries clinically significant interaction risks, particularly with serotonergic medications, which set it apart from most substances on this site. It is a distinct chemical class from injectable peptides, included here for its metabolic and mitochondrial research relevance.
Reported benefits
- Explored for potential mitochondrial and cellular energy support at low doses
- Established clinical use for methemoglobinemia at higher, medically supervised doses
- Of interest for cognitive-clarity and antioxidant research
- Investigated in preclinical models for neuroprotective potential
How it works
Methylene blue acts as an alternative electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, accepting electrons from NADH and donating them further along the chain, which may support ATP production under conditions of mitochondrial stress. At low concentrations it also shows antioxidant behavior by cycling between oxidized and reduced states. It additionally inhibits monoamine oxidase and nitric oxide synthase to some degree, which underlies both its proposed cognitive effects and its serious interaction potential with serotonergic drugs.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 5 mg | once daily |
| Moderate | 15 mg | once daily |
| High | 30 mg | once daily, split into two doses |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Methylene Blue, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Methylene Blue. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
300units
= 3 mL for a 15 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 300 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Must not be combined with serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) due to serotonin syndrome risk; use caution in G6PD deficiency.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Methylene Blue used for?
Methylene blue is a synthetic phenothiazine compound with a long history of clinical use, most notably for treating methemoglobinemia and as an antimalarial and diagnostic dye. In recent years, low oral doses have drawn interest for potential cognitive and mitochondrial-support applications, distinct from its higher-dose clinical uses. Its long medical track record means more toxicological data exist for it than for many newer compounds, but the off-label, low-dose cognitive-enhancement use case has not been rigorously studied. It carries clinically significant interaction risks, particularly with serotonergic medications, which set it apart from most substances on this site. It is a distinct chemical class from injectable peptides, included here for its metabolic and mitochondrial research relevance. Reported benefits include explored for potential mitochondrial and cellular energy support at low doses, established clinical use for methemoglobinemia at higher, medically supervised doses, of interest for cognitive-clarity and antioxidant research.
What is a typical Methylene Blue dose?
Reported ranges run 5-30 mg. A low protocol is 5 mg once daily, and a high protocol is 30 mg once daily, split into two doses. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Methylene Blue?
Approximately 5-6.5 hours in humans.. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is morning.
How is Methylene Blue administered?
Oral: by mouth. Historically given intravenously in clinical settings, such as for methemoglobinemia; low-dose oral formulations are used for off-label cognitive and metabolic purposes.
How long is a Methylene Blue cycle?
4-6 weeks on, followed by 2 weeks off. Conservative cycling is often suggested given limited long-term safety data at low, off-label doses.
What are the side effects of Methylene Blue?
Reported side effects include discolors urine and stool blue-green (harmless but expected), risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with ssris, snris, or maois, contraindicated in g6pd deficiency due to hemolysis risk, nausea, dizziness, or headache at higher doses. Evidence level for this compound is moderate evidence.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Methylene Blue may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →