Fluorescein sodium
Dilation & diagnostic · Rx
Trade namesFul-Glo strips, BioGlo strips, Fluorescite 10%/25% (IV, angiography)
Drug classDiagnostic dye, fluorescein
StrengthStrips (1 mg / 0.6 mg); 2% solution; IV 10-25%
AvailabilityRx
Mechanism of actionWater-soluble dye that fluoresces green under cobalt-blue light; pools in epithelial defects and stains exposed stroma/basement membrane, not intact epithelium or mucin-coated cells.
Indication / reason for useCorneal/conjunctival staining (abrasion, ulcer, dry eye, foreign body), Seidel test for wound leak, applanation tonometry, tear break-up time, contact-lens fit assessment (RGP fluorescein pattern), nasolacrimal patency (dye disappearance / Jones testing), fundus fluorescein angiography (IV).
Usual adult dosingWet the strip with saline and touch the inferior tear meniscus; or 1 drop of 2% solution.
PreservativeSterile single-use strips (no preservative); solution may be BAK-preserved or single-use , a preservative-free option exists
Contact lensesDo NOT instill with soft lenses in, fluorescein is absorbed by conventional hydrogels and stains them, sometimes permanently. Remove soft lenses first and wait ~1 hour (or until staining clears) before reinserting. Fine for RGP fitting.
Common / important adverse effectsTopical: transient yellow-orange staining of tears and skin, mild sting. IV: nausea/vomiting, transient yellow skin and urine, extravasation injury, and rare anaphylaxis (have resuscitation available).
Contraindications & cautionsTopical: none significant. IV angiography: prior severe reaction; caution in renal impairment and with beta-blocker use (blunted anaphylaxis response).
Pregnancy / lactationAvoid IV fluorescein angiography unless essential; topical diagnostic use is considered low risk.
Practice notesHigh-molecular-weight hydrogels and silicone hydrogels stain less, but the safe rule is still lenses out.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.