Label: METHYLENE BLUE INJ- methylene blue anhydrous injection, solution

  • NDC Code(s): 42494-419-05
  • Packager: Cameron Pharmaceuticals
  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL

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Drug Label Information

Updated August 9, 2023

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  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

    (FOR SLOW INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION)

    Rx only

  • BOXED WARNING (What is this?)

    WARNING: SEROTONIN SYNDROME WITH CONCOMITANT USE OF SEROTONERGIC DRUGS

    Methylene Blue Injection may cause serious or fatal serotonergic syndrome when used in combination with serotonergic drugs. Avoid concomitant use of Methylene Blue Injection with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).

  • DESCRIPTION

    Methylene Blue Injection is a sterile solution of Phenothiazin-5-ium, 3, 7-bis (dimethylamino)-, chloride, trihydrate. Each mL contains methylene blue, 10 mg in water for injection q.s. pH adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide when necessary.

    The structural formula is:

    Chemical Structure

    The molecular formula is:

    C16H18ClN3S ∙ 3H2O       MW = 373.90

  • CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    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)

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Drug-induced methemoglobinemia.

  • 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.

  • WARNINGS

    Methylene blue should not be given by subcutaneous or intrathecal injection.

    Methylene blue is a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor: Methylene blue has been demonstrated to be a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and may cause potentially fatal serotonin toxicity (serotonin syndrome) when combined with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). (4) (See Drug Interactions.) Serotonin toxicity is characterized by development of neuromuscular hyperactivity (tremor, clonus, myoclonus and hyperreflexia, and, in the advanced stage, pyramidal rigidity); autonomic hyperactivity (diaphoresis, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, and mydriasis); and altered mental status (agitation, excitement, and in the advanced stage, confusion). If methylene blue is judged to be indicated, SRIs must be ceased, prior to treatment/procedure/surgery.

  • PRECAUTIONS

    Drug Interactions

    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.

    Pregnancy

    Pregnancy Category X

    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).

    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)

    Renal Failure

    Methylene blue should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

    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.

    Large intravenous doses of methylene blue produce nausea, abdominal and precordial pain, dizziness, headache, profuse sweating, mental confusion and the formation of methemoglobin.

  • DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    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.

  • HOW SUPPLIED

    Methylene Blue Injection, 1%, USP is supplied as follows:

    NDC 42494-419-05

    10 mL vials in packages of 5.

    The vials are packaged with a Flip Tear-Off Seal. The seal can either be flipped normally to reveal the rubber stopper or be totally removed so the rubber stopper can be taken out of the vial. The plastic button is attached to the metal seal, which when pulled, tears the seal at the score line allowing the metal portion to be removed.

    STORAGE

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    Flip Tear-Off Seal: Directions for Use:

    1. With the thumb, flip the plastic button up to reveal the rubber stopper.
    2. Pull the button to tear the seal at the score line and twist to remove.
  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

    Manufactured for: Cameron Pharmaceuticals, LLC.

    Rev. 05/23

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Vial Carton Label

    NDC 42494-419-05

    Methylene Blue 1%
    Injection, USP

    1% (10mg/mL)
    For slow Intravenous administration
    Rx only

    5 x 10ml Single Dose Vials

    Each mL contains:
    Methylene Blue 10 mg and Water
    for Injection q.s. pH adjusted with
    Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium
    Hydroxide when necessary.

    Usual Dosage:
    See package insert
    for dosage information

    Manufactured for:
    Cameron Pharmaceuticals, LLC

    EXP: 07/2023
    LOT: 21VMBI024

    PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Vial Carton Label
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    METHYLENE BLUE INJ 
    methylene blue anhydrous injection, solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:42494-419
    Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUS
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    METHYLENE BLUE ANHYDROUS (UNII: 8NAP7826UB) (METHYLENE BLUE CATION - UNII:ZMZ79891ZH) METHYLENE BLUE10 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    Water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:42494-419-055 in 1 CARTON08/07/2023
    110 mL in 1 VIAL; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    Unapproved drug other08/07/2023
    Labeler - Cameron Pharmaceuticals (078371442)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Vitae Enim Vitae Scientific, Inc.080492645MANUFACTURE(42494-419)