Fluorescein (AK-Fluor, Fluor-l-Strip, Ophthifluor)

Category:

• Miscellaneous

Description:

• Ophthalmic diagnostic agent

Indications:

• Diagnostic aid in identifying foreign bodies, hard fitting contact lenses, fundus photography, tonometry, identifying corneal abrasions, retinal angiography

Contraindications:

• Soft contact lenses (lenses may become discolored)

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C; avoid parenteral use, especially in 1^st trimester, excreted into breast milk

• History of allergy, asthma

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: convulsions, dizziness, headache, paresthesia

• CV: bradycardia, cardiac arrest, hypotension, shock, syncope

• EENT: burning, conjunctival redness, pruritis, stinging, urticaria

• GI: gi distress, nausea, strong taste

• GU: bright yellow discoloration of urine

• RESP: acute pulmonary edema, bronchospasm, dyspnea

• SKIN: severe local tissue damage with extravasation, yellowish discoloration of skin

Dosage:

Administered as topical ophthalmic solution and intravenously

• Adult:            

  • Detection of foreign bodies/corneal abrasions: 

    • Ophth 1 drop 2% solution, allow a few seconds for staining, wash out excess with sterile irrigation solution

    • STRIPS moisten strip with sterile water, place moistened strip at the fornix in lower cul-de-sac close to the punctum, have patient close lid tightly over strip until desired amount of staining obtained

  • Retinal angiography: 

    • IV 500-750mg injected rapidly in antecubital vein

• Child:   

  • Retinal angiography: 

    • IV 7.5mg/kg injected rapidly in antecubital vein

Special Consideration:

•  May cause temporary yellowish discoloration of skin (fades in 6-12 hours)

•  Urine will appear bright yellow (fades in 24-36 hours)

•  Soft contact lenses may be replaces after thorough rinsing, and the passage of at least 1 hour