Methylene Blue

Definition

A synthetic basic dye. Methylene blue stains to negatively charged cell components like nucleic acids; when administered in the lymphatic bed of a tumor during oncologic surgery, methylene blue may stain lymph nodes draining from the tumor, thereby aiding in the visual localization of tumor sentinel lymph nodes. When administered intravenously in low doses, this agent may convert methemoglobin to hemoglobin.

Also known as Azul de Metileno, Azul Metile, Blu di Metilene, CI Basic Blue 9, CI-52015, Collubleu, Colour Index No. 52015, Desmoidpillen, METHYLENE BLUE, Methylenum Caeruleum, Methylthioninii Chloridum, Methylthioninium Chloride, Schultz No. 1038, Tetramethylthionine Chloride Trihydrate, Urolene Blue, Vitableu — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC V03AB17 per RXNORM
• ATC V04CG05 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C644 per NCIT
• SCTID 354064008 per RXNORM
• SCTID 6725000 per RXNORM
• UNII T42P99266K per RXNORM

Indications