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A review of methylene blue treatment for cardiovascular collapse
Jean C Y Lo1, Michael A Darracq1, Richard F Clark1
1Department of Toxicology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.
Background:
Historically, methylene blue (MB) has been used for multiple purposes, including as an antidote for toxin-induced and hereditary methemoglobinemia, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, and ackee fruit and cyanide poisoning; as an aniline dye derivative, antimalarial agent, and antidepressant.
Discussion:
Most recently, the use of MB has been advocated as a potential adjunct in the treatment of shock states. Our article reviews the role of MB in septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and toxin-induced shock. MB is proposed to increase blood pressure in these shock states by interfering with guanylate cyclase activity, and preventing cyclic guanosine monophosphate production and vasodilatation.
Summary:
MB may be an adjunct in the treatment of septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and toxin-induced shock.
