A carefully dosed intravenous application of pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, used under medical supervision for its antimicrobial properties and potential to support mitochondrial electron transport.
Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a pharmaceutical compound with a long history of medical use, originally developed in the late 19th century. It is approved for the treatment of methemoglobinemia and has been used clinically as an antimalarial agent. More recently, low-dose methylene blue has been investigated for its effects on mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism.
At St. George Hospital, pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue is administered intravenously at carefully controlled doses as part of comprehensive treatment protocols for chronic infections and metabolic conditions. It is not used as a standalone therapy.
Methylene blue functions as an alternative electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. At low concentrations, it can accept electrons from NADH and transfer them to cytochrome c, effectively bypassing dysfunctional complex I and complex III. This may help restore ATP production in cells with impaired mitochondrial function.
Additionally, methylene blue has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens in laboratory studies. Its redox-cycling properties also confer antioxidant effects at low doses, though at higher concentrations it acts as a pro-oxidant.
At St. George Hospital, methylene blue I.V. is considered for patients with the following conditions, always as part of a broader treatment protocol:
Note: The use of methylene blue beyond its approved indications is considered investigational. Treatment decisions are made individually by the attending physician based on the clinical situation.
Methylene blue therapy requires careful patient selection, dosing, and monitoring. Our physicians will evaluate whether this treatment may be appropriate for your specific situation.
Methylene blue is administered as a slow intravenous infusion over 30-60 minutes. The characteristic blue color of the compound means that patients may notice temporary blue discoloration of urine and, in some cases, mild skin discoloration, which resolves within 24-48 hours. Patients are monitored during and after the infusion. The treatment is generally well tolerated at the low doses used in our protocols.
Methylene blue has been used in medicine for over 130 years and is on the WHO List of Essential Medicines for its approved indications. Research into its mitochondrial and neuroprotective effects is ongoing, with preclinical and early clinical studies published in journals including Neurobiology of Aging and Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Important contraindications include G6PD deficiency and concurrent use of serotonergic medications due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. All patients are screened for these contraindications before treatment.
Contact our medical team to discuss your treatment options and whether methylene blue may be considered as part of your protocol.
