Methylene blue. What is it, instructions for use, price

Methylene blue (lat. Methylenum coeruleum; N,N,N',N'-tetramethylthionine chloride trihydrate, 3,7-bisdimethylaminophenothiocyanite chloride, methyl blue, methylene blue) is a dye. It is a dark green crystal with a bronze luster.

Gross formula (Hill system): C16H18ClN3S or in the form of crystalline hydrate C16H18ClN3S·H2O.

Composition, release form

Methylene Blue - In Latin, Methylenum coeruleum is a dye. Other names for this substance are known: Methylene blue, Methyl blue. When dry, it appears as dark green crystals with a characteristic bronze luster. The active ingredient is methylthioninium chloride.

The drug is used mainly in the form of an alcohol solution. It contains alcohol and methylene blue itself. A weaker aqueous solution may be used. Its composition is represented by Methyl blue and purified water.

A special solution is prepared for intravenous administration. Its dominant component is Methylene blue (solution with a concentration of 1%). Glucose (25%) is used as another active ingredient. Additional components are also included - stabilizer and prolongator.

The main form of release of the alcohol preparation is glass bottles with a solution with a concentration of 1%. Their average volumes are 10-15 ml.

Methylene blue

Aqueous ready-made solutions of Methylenum coeruleum are produced in glass bottles of 10, 25, and 50, 100 ml. A special solution is intended for intravenous administration, contained in ampoules of 20-50 ml.

Mechanism of action

The effectiveness of Methylene blue, which is a representative of the group of antiseptics, is explained by its rapid destructive effect on harmful pathogenic microflora.

The basic mechanism of action of the drug is due to the activity of its components. They are able to bind bacterial proteins upon contact and then remove them almost instantly.

Pathogenic microorganisms die as a result of such interaction, which prevents the risk of their penetration into the skin tissue. The active ingredients of an antiseptic solution, when applied externally, are not able to enter the bloodstream, so they are not absorbed by the body.

An alcohol solution produces an antiviral, disinfectant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antibacterial effect, and also helps accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin tissue. The aqueous analogue is used as a fast-acting antidote.

The instructions for the drug indicate that it can be used for diagnostic purposes to study kidney function, since after internal use of the drug, the urine turns blue.

The substance is excreted in urine and bile mainly in an uncolored form, although it is possible that some amount may be excreted unchanged.

Main properties of the product: pharmacology and pharmacokinetics

Methylene blue is a solution for external use, belonging to the group of fast-acting antiseptics. Use the solution to treat diseased skin areas and deep wounds. An effective remedy for adults and children that combats burns of varying degrees.

Methylene blue belongs to the group of antiseptic agents with a rapid effect on pathogenic microflora. The main mechanism of action of the product is based on the reaction of the active components of the alcohol solution with bacterial microorganisms: on the upper layers of the epidermis, the substances bind to bacterial proteins (on the surface of the wound) and quickly remove them. Thanks to this interaction, pathogenic microorganisms die without entering the human body. After using the solution, the main active ingredients are not absorbed by the body and do not enter the bloodstream.

According to the instructions, the solution has a disinfecting effect. The product helps restore damaged areas of the skin due to thermal or chemical exposure. Active components supply hydrogen ions to damaged tissues, promoting rapid regeneration of the epidermis. A solution obtained by diluting with water is used as a fast-acting antidote. According to the international classification of diseases ICD-10, burns, wounds, and bacterial infections belong to the anatomical-therapeutic-chemical group and are effectively treated with a solution of Methylene blue.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

This product belongs to the antiseptic category . Its action is based on the ability of the drug to interact with certain groups of substances of gram-positive bacterial cells , their proteins and mucopolysaccharides with the formation of poorly soluble and slowly ionizing complexes.

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The drug has redox properties and is able to play the role of a donor of hydrogen ions in the body. Thanks to this, it can be used as an antidote for some poisonings.

The drug does not enter the systemic circulation when applied topically. When taken internally, the drug is excreted through the kidneys.

In addition, this product can be used for aquarium fish. It prevents the proliferation of ichthyophthirius, trichodin, aeromonads, myxobacteria, chilodonella, costia, and pseudomonads. Methylene blue for the aquarium is also used to improve acid metabolism in the tissues of fish if they have been transported, preparing antibacterial food, processing eggs and fry.

However, when using it, the water turns blue, which causes the equipment and accessories in the aquarium to get dirty and makes it difficult to monitor your pets. Therefore, it is advisable to use this product in a separate container.

Negative effects of methylene blue on aquarium fish

Despite its obvious usefulness, methylene blue has serious disadvantages:

• reduction in the efficiency of the biofilter,
• negative impact on the aquarium flora,
• change in color of light decorative elements and soil.

Methylene blue completely destroys the biological environment. Its use has a negative effect on beneficial bacteria and microorganisms.

To prevent the negative effects of the drug, it is recommended to remove all light parts from the aquarium.

If one individual gets sick, and the infection has not yet spread to the entire aquarium, then the infected fish are placed in separate containers with a solution.

Indications for use

Methylene blue has a wide range of applications with high disinfecting and disinfecting effectiveness.

This product in the form of solutions has the following indications:

• pharyngitis;

• stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• follicular tonsillitis;
• thrush;
• laryngitis;
• caries;
• pyoderma;
• minor thermal burns;
• sycosis;
• aphthoses of the mucous membranes;
• herpes;
• wounds;
• eczema;
• furunculosis;
• insect bites;
• urethritis;
• cystitis;
• intoxication.

An aqueous solution for external treatment of mucous membranes and skin is permitted from the age of 1 year.

Overdose

The occurrence of side effects occurs against the background of a violation of the dosage of the drug. Damage caused by the drug manifests itself in problems with the bladder, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract. Patients with overdose experience vomiting, severe chills, elevated body temperature and anemia.

An overdose occurs against the background of frequent use of the treatment product. Alcohol dries out the skin, resulting in cracks and new wounds appearing on the weakened epidermis. In case of an overdose of the solution, standard therapy (symptomatic) is prescribed. Any side effects are the reason to discontinue the drug or replace the alcohol solution with an analogue.

Contraindications and side effects

Methylene blue is a drug with a minimal list of contraindications. For external use, its use is prohibited if an allergic reaction is detected and in children under 1 year of age. When treating mucous membranes, the solution is applied only to problem areas.

The following conditions are prohibited for internal use of the drug:

• renal failure;
• lactation period;
• pregnancy;
• manifestation of individual intolerance.

In rare cases, side effects are possible:

• nausea;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• anemia;
• allergic rash;
• swelling;
• burns of mucous membranes.

It is advisable to check the body's reaction to the drug before starting treatment with Methylene blue. You can go to a medical institution to see an allergist who will do the necessary testing.

Contraindications

Methylene blue is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, so its internal use while taking antidepressants of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor group can lead to the development of serotonin syndrome.

To stop it, you need to use Paroxetine (Paxil), an SSRI antidepressant, the use of which can cause serotonin syndrome.

Source

Dilution of Methylene Blue

A crystalline preparation of Methyl blue is more accessible. It is stored in a tightly closed glass container.

Dilution sequence for Methylene blue:

1. If you want to make the most commonly used aqueous solution of the drug, having a concentration of 1%, measure out 10 g of powder.
2. Pour 1 liter of boiling water cooled to warm into a glass container.
3. Pour the prepared powder into it while vigorously kneading with a wooden spatula.
4. When all the crystals have dissolved, strain the solution into another glass vessel using a gauze cloth folded in 6 layers.

During work, protect your hands with rubber gloves to avoid staining the skin.

Instructions and doses

Methylene blue is an effective antiseptic used for a variety of diseases.

Thrush, aphthous stomatitis

Use a one percent aqueous solution, soak a cotton swab with it, and carefully treat each sore spot. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to dry the oral cavity from saliva with a sterile cotton swab.

For adults, the session is practiced every 3-4 hours. For children over one year of age, the treatment is carried out 3-4 times a day, timing the procedure after meals. If the child is breastfed, the mother’s nipples should be lubricated with the solution, which will protect the baby’s mucous membranes from possible damage.

Stomatitis caused by herpes

When rashes appear due to exacerbation of herpes, the blisters located on the mucous membranes in the mouth and the inside of the lips are treated three times a day with an aqueous solution of Methyl Blue. The skin area around the lip border is lubricated from the outside with an alcohol analogue, covering the healthy area next to the rash.

When large lesions appear, adults are advised to rinse their mouths with an aqueous solution in the morning and evening.

The effectiveness of Methylene blue for stomatitis of various natures is manifested in several directions:

• disinfection and drying of painful, weeping ulcers;
• slowing down the development of pathogenic bacteria;
• healing of microcracks;
• elimination of inflammatory foci and purulent processes.

After completing the procedures involving the application of Methyl Blue to the internal surfaces of the oral cavity, it is not recommended to consume food or drinks for 30-40 minutes. During the entire treatment course, spicy, hot, overly sour foods, which can further irritate the affected oral mucosa, are excluded from the menu.

With systematic use of the drug, healing of painful ulcers is observed 3-4 days after the start of treatment. Patients experience relief after 2-3 procedures.

Wounds, burns

If skin lesions are detected, it is recommended to use an alcohol solution based on Methylene blue, which has pronounced antiseptic and disinfecting properties.

The affected area of ​​skin is carefully washed with cool, pre-boiled water. Soak a cotton swab in the preparation and carefully apply it to the affected area. Repeat treatment sessions 3-4 times a day.

Staphylococcus

When ulcers appear on the skin caused by the development of Staphylococcus aureus, an alcohol-based solution of Methylene blue is successfully used to treat the affected areas. Soak a cotton swab with the product and distribute it generously onto each purulent formation. Sessions are practiced 3-4 times a day. The alcohol composition is not used on mucous membranes.

Table. Methylene Blue Dosages:

Coloring

When using Methyl Blue, a slight bluish tint to the mucous membranes or skin may occur, which is not dangerous. When the concentration is properly selected, the drug does not have a toxic effect .

After cessation of treatment, after a few days the skin acquires its natural color.

Substitutes

If necessary, you can select products from the pharmacy chain that are similar in healing characteristics to Methylene blue.

Table. Substitutes for Methyl Blue:

Analogs and possible substitutes

Unfortunately, there are no medications with the same chemical composition.

But the industry offers many good antiseptics that effectively destroy any pathogenic microflora:

In any situation, it is better for a doctor to tell you about the possibility of using a drug, since analogues and substitutes must be selected taking into account the viability of the pathogenic flora. And here - Treatment of herpes with hydrogen peroxide on the lips, body, genitals: methods of use, reviews (photos, videos).

Storage conditions and periods

At home, it is recommended to keep the bottle with the prepared Methyl Blue solution in a dark place at temperatures up to 25 °C.

The maximum shelf life of alcohol products is 2 years. For the aqueous version of the drug, this figure is half as much.

Ready-made dosage forms after opening the vials are allowed to be used for 10-12 days.

Recognized in alternative medicine, Methylene blue is an antiseptic that helps in the treatment of stomatitis of various natures, skin lesions, herpes, and inflammatory processes.

Storage conditions and interactions with medications

Methylene blue is available without a prescription. The purchased drug must be packaged in a hermetically sealed bottle with an additional cap. It is recommended to store the solution in a dark, dry room with average air humidity. Do not expose the bottle with the active substance to direct sunlight. The average temperature at which a sealed and opened bottle is stored is from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

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The shelf life when stored correctly is 2 years from the date of issue, which is indicated on the package. Drug interactions with other medications were not identified during the studies. Ethyl alcohol included in the product, when taken orally, can impair coordination of movement or inhibit the body’s usual reactions, therefore, after taking the drug, travel and excessive physical activity should be limited.