More people than you would expect are curious about methylene blue dosage. People trip over a forum discussion, read studies, or hear experiences. The great question now is: “So, how much should someone really take?” Nobody wants to wind up blue, either practically or literally Wholistic Research.

First of all, medicinal and off-label use differs in quite a ways. Standard intravenous dosage in clinics and hospitals is typically 1 to 2 mg per kg of body weight. Not a ton but not a pinch either. In an emergency, it’s sometimes dosed more; most indications are found with 1-2 mg/kg. An adult weighing seventy kg comes out with between seventy and 140 mg. Unless you want surprises, always double-check the calculations.

People play about with oral forms occasionally. Here things become more confusing. Studies and reference tables show that oral doses are usually far less. Though always start low, people sometimes use 0.5 to 2 mg per kilogram daily. Mind you, this is only a notation on the numbers flying around; it is not advice to try. Your body isn’t like a chemistry set. Less is practically always safer, especially given something as strong as this. If in doubt, there is wisdom in classic proverbs like “start low, go slow.”

And then there is the “why.” Methylene blue crops up for several uses. It may be used for memory study by one person or for its possible effect on mitochondrial function by another. Not only in hospitals, but also in labs it’s a hit. Dose targets change according on the cause. Remember that rats and humans are not carbon copies if you are using it for “research” at home. What suits a mouse does not always apply to a man, a woman, or anyone else in between.

Errors can strike on any level. Too much methylene blue; the negative effects will not appeal to you. Common ones are headache, nausea, blue urine. Indeed, you may feel like a Smurf. Less common but equally frightening is Seizures with serotonin syndrome particularly in relation to several antidepressants. If you ever consider mixing it with other medications, stop and seek someone with an advanced degree.

Safety netts are absent from computer screens and bottle labels. On the other hand, medical experts are really adept with those. There are occasional overshoot in self-experimenters. Not on aim but rather out of enthusiasm, or frustration. The smart money is on reviewing your arithmetic and consulting a knowledgeable health professional. Playing alone is playing with house odds—and the house always wins.

If you are looking for something for four-legged loved ones—animal references abound as well. Veterinary advice notes dosages for dogs, fish, even exotic birds. Still, species vary. Fish dosages are not for cats. Your parrot is not your gold fish.

All said and done, caution has no negative consequences. Methylene blue can be really difficult. Never wing it with such a strong drug; follow consistent dose instructions, keep close to advised limits. Though science advances, a little attention now will help to avoid a mountain of issues ahead. If questions arise, go after recommendations. Good judgment is your best defense in an information-based environment. For that case, better safe than cyanotic—that is, blue in the face.