by Stacey Lemus, BS, PCCA Senior Formulation Specialist and Project Manager

Pro Tips for Compounding Methylene Blue

Preparation and focus is key to achieving positive results. Prior to compounding with methylene blue, line your hood work surface with spill mats or low-lint disposable towels to contain any spills. Work slowly and diligently.

Your containment ventilated enclosure (CVE), when certified, has a specific airflow range to meet best practice standards. If you notice excess pull of weighing paper or powders toward the back of the hood while compounding, consider having your CVE certification company check the airflow parameters. It may also be helpful to adjust the airflow to the lower end of the range of the best practices standard. This may drastically reduce the amount of powder residue that can stain your CVE and balance.

When mixing topical formulations using an electronic mortar and pestle (EMP), single-use disposable mixing blades are a great option. PCCA carries a variety of sizes to accommodate different EMP jar sizes (PCCA #35-2449, #35-2450, #35-2451). These are compatible with detachable shafts (PCCA #35-2452). The single-use blades are twisted on to the end of the shaft and are easy to remove after mixing for disposal.

Methylene blue powder requires pulverizing to make powder capsules, oil-based capsules or oil suspensions. We advise using a glass mortar and pestle. Other mortars, such as ceramic or plastic, are made of more porous materials that are prone to staining.

Pro Techniques for Cleaning After Compounding Methylene Blue

We suggest rinsing all equipment and devices immediately after use with isopropyl alcohol and cleaning it with an EPA-registered cleaning agent that is suitable for the equipment.

We also suggest following these clean-up tips after compounding powder capsules:

1. After properly rinsing all equipment and devices, prepare a clean surface inside the hood.
2. Set up a designated plastic tub in the hood containing enough isopropyl alcohol 70% to cover the plates.
3. Carefully submerge the capsule machine plates into the plastic basin.
4. Stage the bin and contents outside of the hood using proper technique.
5. Allow three (3) minutes of soaking.
6. Pour out the rinsing alcohol into an appropriate container for disposal and refill with fresh alcohol (barely cover).
7. Move the container gently from side to side, while on the counter, to facilitate removal of the staining inside the holes.
8. If necessary, repeat steps 6 and 7, allowing three (3) minutes of soaking in between.

Remember, powder capsules are not the only methylene blue formulation. Get innovative! Explore alternate formulations, such as oil capsules, to avoid tricky dosage forms. Powder capsules can be messy to compound, and compounding oil-filled capsules is a great way to avoid excess cleanup.

We’re here to assist you!

PCCA members may access PCCA Play training videos on techniques for compounding oil capsules. Members with clinical services may contact our Clinical Services team for help when compounding methylene blue and for other compounding questions.

Access the free webinar, Navigating the Lab with  Methylene Blue — Compounding Techniques and Best Practices, on PCCA Play.

These statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care or encourage its abandonment.