Methylene Blue for Lyme and Bartonella: The Ins and Outs

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Methylene Blue for Lyme and Bartonella Persisters

The Ins and Outs of Methylene Blue

Methylene blue is a repurposed drug used to treat persister Lyme (Borrelia) and Bartonella. There is also lab evidence showing it treats growing Bartonella. It likely kills growing Lyme too. While methylene blue may treat growing germs, the main reason to use it in Lyme or Bartonella infectious is to treat persisters. 

In this video article, Marty Ross, MD discusses the ins and outs, including risks factors, of using methylene blue. Below the video, you can find sample antibiotic protocols for Lyme and Bartonella that include methylene blue.

Notice-How to Use This Article

Be aware, most of the important information in this article is in the video below.

A Word About Persisters

Lyme and Bartonella are hard to treat for many reasons. One reason is persister Lyme and Bartonella germs ignore standard antibiotics. Based on numerous laboratory experiments since 2015, the Lyme germ and Bartonella have a growth state, as well as a hibernating, non-growing state. These hibernators are called persisters. They do not respond to regular prescription antibiotics, although they do seem to respond to many herbal antibiotics that we use.

Before You Start

Before starting methylene blue check a glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) blood test, If you have low levels of G6PD, methylene blue could break your red blood cells apart. 

All About Methylene Blue for Lyme and Bartonella

Marty Ross, MD discusses key facts, risks, and benefits of using methylene blue to treat Lyme and Bartonella.

 
 
 
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How to Build a Methylene Blue Treatment

Bartonella Infection

  • Methylene blue 50 mg 1 pill 2 times a day (this is made by a compounding pharmacy). In one to two months, If there is an inadequate response, consider increasing to 2 pills 2 times a day. 

Combine with one of the following:

  • Azithromycin 500 mg 1 pill 1 time a day;
  • Clarithromycin 500 mg 1 pill 2 times a day;
  • Minocycline 100 mg 1 pill 2 times a day; 
  • Doxycycline 100 mg 1 pill 2 times a day;
  • Rifampin 300 mg 2 pills 1 time a day; or
  • Fluconazole 200 mg 1 time a day.

Lyme Infection

  • Methylene blue 50 mg 1 pill 2 times a day (this is made by a compounding pharmacy). In one to two months, If there is an inadequate response, consider increasing to 2 pills 2 times a day. 

Combine with one of the following to address growing spirochete and intracellular (L-form) forms of Lyme:

  • Azithromycin 500 mg 1 pill 1 time a day;
  • Clarithromycin 500 mg 1 pill 2 times a day;
  • Minocycline 100 mg 1 pill 2 times a day; 
  • Doxycycline 100 mg 1 pill 2 times a day;

Combine with one of the following to address growing cyst forms of Lyme:

  • Grapefruit seed extract 250 mg 1 pill 2 times a day;
  • Fluconazole 200 mg 1 time a day;
  • Tinidazole 500 mg 1 pill 2 to 3 times a day; or
  • Metronidazole 500 mg 1 pill 2 to 3 times a day

Additional Resources to Treat Persisters

For additional ideas on how to treat persisters see How to Treat Persister Lyme and Bartonella.

Disclaimer

The ideas and recommendations on this website and in this article are for informational purposes only. For more information about this, see the sitewide Terms & Conditions.

References

View Citations

  1. Li T, Feng J, Xiao S, Shi W, Sullivan D, Zhang Y. Identification of FDA-approved drugs with activity against stationary phase Bartonella henselae. Antibiotics (Basel). 2019;8(2):50. doi:10.3390/antibiotics8020050 (View)
  2. Boehmer M. Methylene Blue, A Deeper Look. International Lyme and Associated Disease Society member webinar; January 17, 2023.
  3. Feng J, Weitner M, Shi W, Zhang S, Sullivan D, Zhang Y. Identification of additional anti-persister activity against Borrelia burgdorferi from an FDA drug library. Antibiotics (Basel). 2015;4(3):397-410. doi:10.3390/antibiotics4030397 (View)
  4. Zheng X, Ma X, Li T, Shi W, Zhang Y. Effect of different drugs and drug combinations on killing stationary phase and biofilms recovered cells of Bartonella henselae in vitro. BMC Microbiol. 2020;20(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12866-020-01777-9 (View)
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About the Author

Marty Ross, MD is a passionate Lyme disease educator and clinical expert. He helps Lyme sufferers and their physicians see what really works based on his review of the science and extensive real-world experience. Dr. Ross is licensed to practice medicine in Washington State (License: MD00033296) where he has treated thousands of Lyme disease patients in his Seattle practice. 

Marty Ross, MD is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and Georgetown University Family Medicine Residency. He is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The Institute for Functional Medicine, and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

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