Methylene Blue Drug Interaction Checker
Read first. This checker is an educational tool, not medical advice and not a substitute for a pharmacist or physician. It covers common, well-documented interactions but is not exhaustive. Never start, stop, or combine medications based on this tool alone. If you take any prescription medication, confirm with a healthcare professional before using methylene blue.
The most dangerous methylene blue interactions are with serotonergic drugs. Methylene blue is a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and combining it with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), certain painkillers, or stimulants can trigger serotonin syndrome — a reaction the FDA has formally warned can be life-threatening. Use the checker below to see the risk level for a specific medication.
Don't see your medication? That does not mean it is safe — ask your pharmacist. Methylene blue also causes dangerous red-blood-cell breakdown in people with G6PD deficiency, and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How to read the results
- ⛔ Do not combine — a serotonergic or otherwise high-risk interaction. Requires medical supervision; usually avoided entirely.
- ⚠️ Caution — potential for added risk (blood pressure, additive effects). Discuss with a professional first.
- 🩸 Special condition — a health condition (like G6PD deficiency) that makes methylene blue itself unsafe.
- ◦ Not a major documented interaction — not on the well-known interaction list, but this tool is not exhaustive; still confirm with a pharmacist.
Why serotonergic drugs are the core danger
Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase, the enzyme that breaks down serotonin. Drugs that raise serotonin — SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics, some opioids like tramadol, triptans, and even supplements like St John's Wort and 5-HTP — can push serotonin dangerously high when that enzyme is blocked. The result can be serotonin syndrome, which the FDA cited in its warning about methylene blue. Read the full methylene blue drug interactions guide and our safety overview for detail, and see the specific cases of Adderall and alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
Is this checker a substitute for my doctor? No. It is educational and not exhaustive. Your pharmacist has your full medication list and is the right person to confirm any combination.
What if my medication isn't listed? Absence from this tool does not mean a combination is safe. Ask a professional, especially if you take multiple medications.
I take an antidepressant — can I use methylene blue? Most antidepressants are serotonergic, which is the highest-risk category. Do not combine without your prescriber's guidance.
Where can I buy tested methylene blue? If cleared by your professional, use a USP pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue with a certificate of analysis.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This tool is general information, not medical advice.
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