fluorescein (Fluor-I-Strip, Fluress, Funduscein, AK-Fluor, Fluorescite, Ful-Glo)

Indications

• demonstration of defects in corneal epithelium
• diagnostic aid in ophthalmic angiography

Dosage

• solution
  • 1-2 drop of 2% solution
  • allow to stand for a few seconds
  • wash out excess with irrigation solution
• strips
  • moisten strip with sterile water
  • place strip at fornix into the lower cul-de-sac close to the punctum
• injection
  • MUST perform intradermal skin test prior to use
  • usual dose: 500-750 mg in antecubital vein

Injection: 10% (5 mL), 25% (3 mL) Strip ophthalmic 1 mg (300s); 9 mg (300s) Solution ophthalmic: (Fluress) 0.25% with benoximate HCl 0.4% (5 mL)

Adverse effects

• not common (1-10%)
  • temporary stinging, burning, irritation
• uncommon (< 1%)
  • severe shock, cardiac arrest, syncope, hypotension, basilar artery ischemia, thrombophlebitis, headache, nausea, GI distress, vomiting
• other
  • extravasation results in local tissue damage
  • soft contact lenses will become discolored
  • skin stains for about 6-12 hours
  • urine stains for about 24-36 hours CAUTIONS:
• do NOT replace contact lenses for at least 1 hours
• flush out eye prior to replacement of contact lenses

Mechanism of action

• water-soluble dye
• penetrate any break in epithelial barrier

More general terms

• pigment
• phenol
• carboxylate
• heterocyclic compound, 3 rings

Component of

• fluorescein/proparacaine

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=16850