🔬 Methylene Blue – For Research Use Only

🧪 Chemical Profile

• Chemical Name: Methylene Blue (Basic Blue 9)

• Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S·xH₂O

• CAS Number: 61-73-4

• Appearance: Dark green to blue crystalline powder

⚙️ Mechanism & Research Applications

• Methylene Blue is a heterocyclic aromatic chemical compound used as a dye and redox agent in scientific research.

• Functions as a mitochondrial electron carrier and can act as a redox mediator in cellular systems.

• Extensively studied for its photodynamic and antimicrobial properties.

• Investigational uses include studies on mitochondrial function, neuroprotection, and dye tracing.

🔬 Dosing & Administration (Research Context)

• Commonly used in vitro and in animal studies at concentrations ranging from nanomolar to micromolar levels depending on application.

• Oral and injectable forms are used in research but not approved for clinical use outside specific medical contexts.

• Oral bioavailability and systemic pharmacokinetics vary widely; all dosing outside approved medical indications is research-only.

⚠️ Safety & Regulatory Status

• Methylene Blue is FDA-approved only for certain medical uses (e.g., methemoglobinemia treatment) but not approved for general supplementation or research use in humans without supervision.

• For research supplies:

  “For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.”

• Potential side effects at high doses include hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient subjects and serotonin syndrome if combined with serotonergic drugs.

• Handle with care: may cause skin irritation and is hazardous if inhaled or ingested inappropriately.