Safety of methylene blue dye for lymphatic mapping in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Miraj G. Shah-Khan, Jenna Lovely, Amy C. Degnim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Methylene blue dye has an important role in lymphatic mapping for sentinel lymph node surgery. A recent safety announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration warned physicians about possible serious central nervous system reactions in patients on serotonergic medications who received intravenous methylene blue for the identification of parathyroid glands. This report summarizes evidence from the Food and Drug Administration's announcement and methylene blue pharmacokinetics. The authors conclude that the use of methylene blue dye at low doses for lymphatic mapping likely carries very little risk for serotonin neurotoxicity, although breast surgeons should be aware of this potential complication in the event of mental status or neuromuscular changes in patients after lymphatic mapping.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)798-799
Number of pages2
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume204
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Methylene blue dye
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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