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Fluorescein Brand Names
AK-Fluor | Fluorescite | Fluorets | Fluor-I-Strip | Fluor-I-Strip A.T. | Ful-Glo | Ophthalmicflur
What is Fluorescein
Fluorescein is a fluorescent, water-soluble, dibasic xanthine dye used topically or systemically as a diagnostic aid.
The molecule produces an intense green fluorescent color which is used to visualize the anterior surface of the eye following topical application and to examine the retinal and choroidal circulation following systemic use, with fluorescein angiography (FA). Multi-dose dropper bottles of fluorescein ophthalmic solution have become contaminated with Pseudomonas and Proteus: thus, fluorescein impregnated ophthalmic strips are preferred by many practitioners.
FA may be useful in the diagnosis and disease progression monitoring of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal, and to a lesser degree, choroidal vascular diseases.
FA is not a substitute for a full ophthalmologic examination and, although rare, carries risk of significant anaphylactoid reactions.
An intradermally administered test dose of fluorescein may identify patients with drug-induced hypersensitivity; however, not all sensitive individuals will react to this test.
Use fluorescein injection only when the procedure is essential.
Although not FDA approved for other indications, specialist have used this dye to test tissue perfusion following the placement of a skin flap and to visualize an intracranial tumor during neurosurgery.
This drug was originally approved by the FDA in 1976.
Indications
- contact lens fitting
- eye trauma diagnosis
- lacrimal drainage diagnosis
- ophthalmic surgery
- radiographic examination
For radiographic examination (i.e., diagnostic angiography or angioscopy) of the retina and iris vasculature
Side Effects
- anaphylactoid reactions
- back pain
- bronchospasm
- cardiac arrest
- chills
- contact lens discoloration
- dizziness
- dysgeusia
- fever
- flushing
- headache
- hypotension
- injection site reaction
- laryngeal edema
- malaise
- metallic taste
- musculoskeletal pain
- nausea
- neuritis
- phlebitis
- photosensitivity
- rash
- seizures
- skin discoloration
- sneezing
- syncope
- urine discoloration
- urticaria
- vomiting
Monitoring Parameters
- ophthalmologic exam
- serum creatinine/BUN
Contraindications
- asthma
- breast-feeding
- cardiac disease
- contact lenses
- dialysis
- eczema
- extravasation
- intraarterial administration
- intramuscular administration
- intrathecal administration
- myocardial infarction
- pregnancy
- renal impairment
- stroke
- urticaria
Interactions
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- Benzalkonium Chloride
- Beta-blockers
