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Ophthalmic diagnostic dye

Fluorescein sodium

Brand names: Minims fluorescein

Fluorescein sodium is a fluorescent diagnostic dye used in ophthalmology for applanation tonometry, contact lens fitting, detecting corneal epithelial damage and, by injection, for retinal angiography.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is an inert dye that fluoresces under blue light and pools in areas of epithelial loss or leaks from abnormal retinal vessels, making defects and vascular abnormalities visible.

Prescribing in practice

  • Intravenous fluorescein for angiography can rarely cause serious anaphylactoid reactions, so resuscitation facilities must be available; topical diagnostic use is much lower risk.
  • Soft contact lenses should be removed before applying topical fluorescein, as the dye can stain them.
  • Patients should be warned that injected fluorescein temporarily discolours the skin and urine.

Monitoring

When given intravenously, observe the patient for hypersensitivity reactions during and shortly after administration.

Counselling the patient

  • After an injection your skin may look yellowish and your urine bright orange for a short time, which is harmless.
  • Remove soft contact lenses before the dye is used.
  • Tell the clinician about any previous reaction to fluorescein.

Evidence & guidelines

Fluorescein is a standard ophthalmic diagnostic dye for surface staining and retinal angiography, with use guided by the SPC.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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