Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Dapsone induced methemoglobinemia : Intermittent vs continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy
Rajniti Prasad1, R Singh, O P Mishra
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. rajniti_prasad@hotmail.com
Insights
Continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy significantly reduces methemoglobin (MetHb) levels in children with dapsone intoxication compared to intermittent therapy. This approach offers a more effective treatment for methemoglobinemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Dapsone intoxication can lead to life-threatening methemoglobinemia.
- Methylene blue is a standard treatment for methemoglobinemia.
- Optimal delivery method for methylene blue in pediatric cases requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of intermittent versus continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy.
- To evaluate the rate of methemoglobin (MetHb) level decline in children with dapsone intoxication.
Main Methods:
- Eleven children with dapsone intoxication were randomized into two groups.
- Group I received intermittent methylene blue therapy; Group II received continuous infusion.
- Blood MetHb levels were measured over 72 hours and analyzed using a student t-test.
Main Results:
- Continuous methylene blue infusion (Group II) showed a statistically significant decline in MetHb levels compared to intermittent therapy (Group I).
- Significant differences in MetHb reduction were observed at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours.
- Clinical features like seizures and altered sensorium were noted in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Continuous intravenous methylene blue therapy is more effective than intermittent regimens for treating dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in children.
- Continuous infusion leads to a more rapid and significant reduction in blood MetHb levels.
Objective:
The study compares the decline in blood methemoglobin (MetHb) level in children of dapsone intoxication treated with intermittent and continuous methylene blue therapy.
Methods:
Eleven children with history of accidental dapsone ingestion and suggestive clinical features of dapsone intoxication were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups: Gr I (n=5) received intermittent methylene blue therapy, while Gr II (N=6) as continuous infusion. The dose of methylene blue was same in both groups. MetHb level in blood was assessed by spectrophotometer at admission and thereafter 12hrly up to 72 hrs. The decline in MetHb was statistically analyzed with student t-test.
Results:
Six patients had history of seizure and altered sensorium. Severe anemia was observed in 2 patients. The mean levels of MetHb in Gr II was statistically significant after 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hrs of methylene blue therapy as compared to Gr I.
Conclusion:
Continuous I.V methylene blue therapy causes significant decline in MetHb level and is more effective in treatment of methemoglobinemia as compared to intermittent regimen.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Overview and Classification
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

