methylene blue - oral, Urolene Blue

BRAND NAME(S): Urolene Blue

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a weak antiseptic that kills bacteria in the urinary tract. It is also a blue-green dye and is used for certain medical tests because it will stain some body fluids and tissues.This product alone is not a cure for a "bladder infection" (acute urinary tract infection). If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic to treat it. Consult your doctor for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times a day after meals or as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters).Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster and the risk of side effects may increase.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, or bladder irritation may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, tell your doctor.This medication may cause your urine or stool to turn green-blue. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, high fever, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, pale/blue skin color, unusual tiredness.Seek immediate medical attention if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: chest pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methylene blue, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain metabolic problem (G6PD deficiency).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that make the urine more alkaline (e.g., acetazolamide, antacids, hydrochlorothiazide, citrates, sodium bicarbonate).This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including some urine tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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