METHYLENE BLUE INJ- methylene blue anhydrous_injection, solution

Methylene blue will produce two opposite actions on hemoglobin. Low concentrations will convert methemoglobin to hemoglobin. High concentrations convert the ferrous iron of reduced hemoglobin to ferric iron which results in the formation of methemoglobin. Methylene blue is metabolized in the body to leukomethylene blue which is excreted primarily in the urine. Some unchanged drug is also excreted in the urine. (1)

Drug-induced methemoglobinemia.

0.1 to 0.2 mL per kg body weight (0.045 to 0.09 mL per pound body weight). Inject methylene blue intravenously very slowly over a period of several minutes. Methylene blue must be injected intravenously very slowly over a period of several minutes to prevent local high concentration of the compound from producing additional methemoglobin. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact: Cameron Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-888-296-9383 (or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088) or through email at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Methylene blue can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. An association exists between the use of methylene blue in amniocentesis and atresia of the ileum and jejunum, ileal occlusions, and other adverse effects in the neonate. (2, 3) Methylene blue is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Intraspinal and subcutaneous injections are contraindicated. Methylene blue is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD Deficiency)
Methylene blue should be avoided in patients with G6PD deficiency due to the risk of paradoxical methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. (5,6)

Epidemiologic evidence exists that methylene blue is a teratogen. An association exists between the use of methylene blue in amniocentesis and atresia of the ileum and jejunum, ileal occlusions, and other adverse effects in the neonate. (2,3) Methylene blue injection should not be administered to pregnant women during amniocentesis due to the risk of teratogenicity and other newborn adverse effects (see CONTRAINDICATIONS

Methylene blue may interact with any drug that acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) including, amongst others, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), triptans and ergot alkaloids; such combinations may have the consequence of potentially fatal serotonin toxicity (serotonin syndrome). Methylene blue should not be co-administered with any drug that acts as an SRI.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Flip Tear-Off Seal: Directions for Use: With the thumb, flip the plastic button up to reveal the rubber stopper. Pull the button to tear the seal at the score line and twist to remove.

Methylene blue should not be given by subcutaneous or intrathecal injection. Methylene blue is a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor: Drug Interactions

Cameron Pharmaceuticals

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