Most methylene blue dosage information online falls into two useless categories: vague suggestions with no numbers, or medical protocols for IV administration that have nothing to do with oral supplements. Neither helps someone holding a bottle of methylene blue drops wondering how much to actually take.
This guide provides what you're looking for: a clear, practical dosage chart based on body weight, broken down by purpose, with the safety information you need to make informed decisions.
Why Dosage Matters More With Methylene Blue
Methylene blue exhibits what researchers call a "hormetic dose-response." In plain terms: the same compound produces opposite effects at different doses. Low doses enhance mitochondrial function and support cognitive performance. High doses can impair the very functions you're trying to support.
A 2011 review in Progress in Neurobiology confirmed this pattern, noting that methylene blue shows "unparalleled antioxidant and cell respiration-enhancing properties" at low doses, while higher doses produce diminishing or opposite effects.
This makes getting the dose right more important than with typical supplements. More is not better. In fact, more can be worse.
The Methylene Blue Dosage Chart
By Body Weight and Purpose
| Body Weight | Low Dose (0.5 mg/kg) | Standard Dose (1 mg/kg) | Upper Range (2 mg/kg) | Maximum (4 mg/kg)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 lbs (50 kg) | 25 mg | 50 mg | 100 mg | 200 mg |
| 130 lbs (59 kg) | 30 mg | 59 mg | 118 mg | 236 mg |
| 150 lbs (68 kg) | 34 mg | 68 mg | 136 mg | 272 mg |
| 170 lbs (77 kg) | 39 mg | 77 mg | 154 mg | 308 mg |
| 190 lbs (86 kg) | 43 mg | 86 mg | 172 mg | 344 mg |
| 210 lbs (95 kg) | 48 mg | 95 mg | 190 mg | 380 mg |
*Maximum doses should only be used under medical supervision. Most oral supplement use falls in the 0.5-2 mg/kg range.
By Purpose
| Purpose | Typical Dose Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General mitochondrial support | 5-15 mg/day | Conservative starting point |
| Cognitive enhancement | 0.5-2 mg/kg/day | Most common supplement range |
| Memory and focus studies | 1-4 mg/kg/day | Based on research protocols |
| Mood support | 15-50 mg/day | Start low, increase gradually |
| Neuroprotection | 0.5-1 mg/kg/day | Lower end for long-term use |
Quick Reference by Common Supplement Sizes
| Product Format | Typical Serving | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg capsule | 1-2 capsules | Beginners, conservative users |
| 10 mg capsule | 1-2 capsules | Standard supplement use |
| 16 mg troche | 1/4 to 1 troche | Sublingual absorption |
| 0.5% liquid drops | Calculate by drops | Flexible dosing |
How to Calculate Your Dose
Step 1: Convert your weight to kilograms (divide pounds by 2.2)
Step 2: Multiply by your target mg/kg dose
Example: A 154-pound person wanting a standard 1 mg/kg dose:
- 154 ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg
- 70 kg × 1 mg/kg = 70 mg daily
For liquid products: Check the concentration. A 0.5% solution contains 5 mg per mL. A 1% solution contains 10 mg per mL.
The Safety Thresholds You Need to Know
Understanding where the boundaries lie helps you use methylene blue confidently.
Generally recognized as safe: Below 2 mg/kg for healthy adults
Caution zone: 2-5 mg/kg (higher side effect potential)
Medical supervision only: Above 5 mg/kg
Opposite effects possible: Above 10 mg/kg (may impair rather than enhance)
Serotonin syndrome risk increases: Above 250 mg total, especially with contraindicated medications
The StatPearls medical reference confirms that methylene blue is "generally safe at therapeutic doses under 2 mg/kg," with adverse effects becoming more likely above 7 mg/kg.
What the Research Actually Used
If you want to match doses from published studies, here's what researchers administered:
Memory enhancement (animal studies): 1 mg/kg showed enhanced retention with no effect at pre-training or delayed administration, suggesting timing matters as much as dose.
Cognitive function (human study, 2016): 280 mg (approximately 4 mg/kg) in capsule form improved memory and attention measures.
Alzheimer's progression (human study, 2015): 138 mg daily for 24 weeks showed slower cognitive decline.
General nootropic use (clinical practice): 5-25 mg daily is the range most commonly prescribed by functional medicine practitioners for cognitive support.
Starting Low: A Sensible Approach
Regardless of your target dose, starting low makes sense for several reasons. You can assess your tolerance, identify any sensitivity, and find your personal optimal dose without overshooting.
Week 1: Start at 0.5 mg/kg or 10-15 mg total, whichever is lower
Week 2: If tolerated well, increase to 1 mg/kg or your target low dose
Week 3 and beyond: Adjust based on response, staying within the 0.5-2 mg/kg range for unsupervised use
Some people find their sweet spot at very low doses. Others need the higher end of the range. The only way to know is to start conservatively and pay attention.
When Not to Use Methylene Blue
Certain situations make methylene blue inappropriate regardless of dose:
G6PD deficiency: Methylene blue can trigger hemolytic anemia in people with this genetic condition. If you don't know your G6PD status and have Mediterranean, African, or Asian ancestry (where the deficiency is more common), consider testing first.
Serotonergic medications: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other medications that affect serotonin create a risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with methylene blue. The FDA has issued a black box warning about this interaction.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data exists. Avoid use.
Renal impairment: Methylene blue is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Severe kidney disease requires dose adjustment or avoidance.
Timing and Administration
Best time to take it: Morning or early afternoon. Methylene blue can be mildly stimulating, and taking it late may affect sleep.
With or without food: Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset, though many people tolerate it fine on an empty stomach.
Frequency: Most protocols use once-daily dosing. Some split into two doses (morning and midday) for sustained effect.
What to expect: Blue or green-tinged urine is normal and harmless. It simply indicates the compound is being processed.
Quality Matters
Methylene blue exists in multiple grades, and they are not interchangeable:
USP/Pharmaceutical grade: Tested for purity, appropriate for human use
Laboratory/Reagent grade: May contain contaminants not suitable for consumption
Industrial/Textile grade: Never appropriate for human use
Always verify that any methylene blue supplement you purchase is pharmaceutical grade (USP) with third-party testing for purity. The compound's history as an industrial dye means low-quality products absolutely exist in the market.
The Bottom Line
For most people exploring methylene blue for cognitive support, the practical range is 0.5-2 mg/kg daily, with many finding benefit at the lower end. Start with 10-15 mg or 0.5 mg/kg (whichever is lower), assess tolerance for a week, then adjust upward if desired.
The research supports benefit at these doses. The safety profile is established. And unlike many supplements where "more is better" thinking prevails, methylene blue rewards precision over enthusiasm.
References
- Rojas, J. C., Bruchey, A. K., & Bhardwaj, R. D. (2012). Neurometabolic mechanisms for memory enhancement and neuroprotection of methylene blue. Progress in Neurobiology, 96(1), 32-45.
- Rodriguez, P., Zhou, W., Barrett, D. W., et al. (2016). Methylene blue modulates functional connectivity in the human brain. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 10(3), 715-725.
- Wischik, C. M., Staff, R. T., Wischik, D. J., et al. (2015). Tau aggregation inhibitor therapy: an exploratory phase 2 study in mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 44(2), 705-720.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Methylene Blue. StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf.
- FDA. (2021). PROVAYBLUE Prescribing Information. AccessData FDA.
- Oz, M., Lorke, D. E., & Petroianu, G. A. (2009). Methylene blue and Alzheimer's disease. Biochemical Pharmacology, 78(8), 927-932.
- Gonzalez-Lima, F., & Auchter, A. (2015). Protection against neurodegeneration with low-dose methylene blue and near-infrared light. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 9, 179.