Benoxinate / Fluorescein
Benoxinate/Fluorescein is a combination ophthalmic solution used primarily during eye examinations and minor ocular procedures. Benoxinate provides rapid-acting local anesthesia to the corneal surface, while Fluorescein is a diagnostic dye that stains damaged corneal epithelium, allowing clinicians to detect corneal abrasions, ulcers, foreign bodies, and other ocular surface abnormalities under cobalt blue light or slit lamp examination.
A combined topical anesthetic and diagnostic dye used in eye examinations to numb the eye and reveal corneal damage.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 690060
- Generic
- Benoxinate / Fluorescein
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- Altafluor
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for corneal anesthesia and staining during routine eye exams, contact lens fitting, foreign body removal, fluorescein angiography, and assessment of corneal epithelial integrity including detection of abrasions, ulcers, and lacerations.
Benoxinate blocks nerve conduction by inhibiting sodium channels in sensory nerve fibers, providing temporary anesthesia. Fluorescein is a xanthene dye that penetrates and stains devitalized or damaged epithelial cells, appearing bright green under blue light, which highlights areas of corneal injury.
For topical ophthalmic use only. Should not be used repeatedly or for prolonged periods as repeated use may cause epithelial toxicity and delayed wound healing. Single-dose units are preferred to minimize contamination risk. Patients should be advised not to rub eyes while anesthetized to prevent inadvertent corneal damage.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy