Drug interactions
Methylene blue + Trazodone
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylene blue and Trazodone: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase A, and combining it with serotonergic drugs like trazodone can cause serious serotonin syndrome. Cases have occurred after intravenous methylene blue given to patients on antidepressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylene blue and Trazodone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
MAO-A inhibition by methylene blue combined with trazodone serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid unless methylene blue is needed urgently; then stop trazodone and monitor for serotonin toxicity for up to two weeks or until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylene blue with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylene blue and Trazodone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase A, and combining it with serotonergic drugs like trazodone can cause serious serotonin syndrome. Cases have occurred after intravenous methylene blue given to patients on antidepressants.
How serious is the interaction between Methylene blue and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unless methylene blue is needed urgently; then stop trazodone and monitor for serotonin toxicity for up to two weeks or until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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