Fluorescein
Fluorescein is a fluorescent diagnostic dye used in ophthalmology to assess the integrity of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye. It is commonly used to detect corneal abrasions, ulcers, foreign bodies, and to evaluate tear film function. Additionally, it is employed in fluorescein angiography to examine retinal and choroidal blood flow.
Fluorescein is an ophthalmic diagnostic dye used to detect corneal damage and evaluate eye blood flow.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01JA01
- RxNorm
- 25138
- Generic
- Fluorescein
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Altafluor, Flucaine, Fluoracaine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg (5mL of 10% solution)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single administration for fluorescein angiography
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 7.5mg/kg (max 500mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single administration for fluorescein angiography
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1-2 drops of 0.25% solution
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single application for corneal staining/diagnostic
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid unless diagnostic necessity outweighs potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits justify risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if absolutely necessary
fetal monitoring as indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
temporarily discontinue breastfeeding for 24-48 hours after intravenous administration
observe infant for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate for most elderly patients
routine vital sign monitoring
pediatric_age
neonatesreduced dose based on weight
use only under specialist supervision
close monitoring of vital signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
appropriate for diagnostic use in pediatric patients
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically needed
standard dosing acceptable
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
consider extended observation time
monitor renal function and watch for prolonged dye retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
routine liver function monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General ophthalmic diagnostic use
Drug class
Classification as diagnostic ophthalmic solution
Primary uses
Ophthalmic diagnostic applications
Route of administration
Administration route for diagnostic procedures
Fluorescein staining is used to diagnose corneal abrasions, erosions, ulcers, and foreign bodies; it also aids in fitting contact lenses, assessing tear film break-up time, evaluating punctal patency, and performing retinal angiography to detect macular edema, retinal ischemia, and choroidal neovascularization.
Fluorescein is a hydrophilic dye that penetrates and stains devitalized or damaged epithelial cells, appearing bright green under cobalt blue light. In angiography, it circulates through ocular blood vessels and leaks where the blood-retinal barrier is compromised, allowing visualization of vascular abnormalities.
Topical application is generally safe, though rare adverse effects include transient stinging and rare allergic reactions. Intravenous administration for angiography may cause nausea, vomiting, or rarely anaphylaxis. Skin and clothing stains are temporary. Patients should inform their ophthalmologist of any allergies before procedures.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy