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Methylene Blue

Methylene Blue is an old drug (circa 1876) used to treat methemoglobinemia and cyanide poisoning.  It is a thiazide dye and turns your urine blue, but generally is very well tolerated. Some patients like to use red spectrum light with methylene blue, especially for treating plaque psoriasis.

It works by converting ferric iron in hemoglobin to ferrous iron.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is currently under research investigation for the treatment of persistent Bartonella with promising results.

The only caveat is that you must be tested for G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) deficiency to ensure that enzyme levels are normal, prior to beginning treatment.

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