Methylene blue
Aliases: Methylene Blue · Methylthioninium chloride
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
An old drug/dye (methemoglobinemia, historically malaria) — micro-dosed as a mitochondrial nootropic: improves cellular respiration and memory in small studies.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- mali molekul
- Origin
- An old drug/dye (methemoglobinemia, historically malaria) — micro-dosed as a mitochondrial nootropic: improves cellular respiration and memory in small studies.
Mechanism of action
Redox mediator in the ETC (bypasses complex I/III dysfunction); MAO-A inhibition at higher doses; anti-tau aggregation (preclinical).
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. Nootropic: 0.5–4 mg/kg (USP grade), usually 5–50 mg/day.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
Nootropic: 0.5–4 mg/kg (USP grade), usually 5–50 mg/day. Micro-dosing: clearer thinking, energy and an "antidepressant" tone in part of the community; blue urine confirms absorption. Strictly avoided with SSRIs.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
Micro-dosing: clearer thinking, energy and an "antidepressant" tone in part of the community; blue urine confirms absorption. Strictly avoided with SSRIs.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Approved (ProvayBlue) for methemoglobinemia: 1–2 mg/kg IV. Cognitive/mitochondrial dosing is off-label and unstandardized.
- 01Off-label oral use: 0.5–4 mg/kg studies
Duration: Indication-defined.
MAO-A inhibitor at higher doses and serotonin-toxicity risk with serotonergic drugs — the interaction that matters most.
Community (anecdotal)
0.5–1 mg/kg oral (often 10–50 mg) morning for cognitive/mitochondrial purposes.
- Cycle:
- Continuous or pre-cognitive-demand dosing.
- Break:
- None standardized.
SSRIs are the hard no-combination; blue urine is the harmless signature.
Human evidence
Small fMRI memory studies; tau program (LMTX) Phase III — negative as a drug, but research continues.
Preclinical evidence
The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.
Known risks
- Blue urine/stool; serotonin-syndrome risk with SSRIs; dangerous in G6PD deficiency.characterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Real-world data outside controlled trials