| Fluorescein drops being put in the eye before examination | |
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| Pronunciation | /ˈflʊərəsiːn/ [1] |
| Trade names | Fluorescite, AK-Fluor, BioGlo, others |
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| Routes of administration | Eye drops, intravenous, by mouth |
| Drug class | Diagnostic agent |
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| Formula | C20H12O5 |
| Molar mass | 332.311 g·mol−1 |
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Fluorescein is used to help in the diagnosis of a number of eye problems. [3] When applied as a drop or within a strip of paper to the surface of the eye it is used to help detect eye injuries such as foreign bodies and corneal abrasions. [4] [5] When given by mouth or injection into a vein it is used to help evaluate the blood vessels in the back of the eye during fluorescein angiography. [3] [6]
When applied to the surface of the eye, side effects may include a brief period of blurry vision and discoloration of contact lenses of the soft type. [7] [3] When used by mouth or injection, side effects may include headache, nausea, and a change to the color of the skin for a brief period of time. [3] Allergic reactions may rarely occur. [3] Fluorescein is a dye which is taken up by damaged cornea such that the area appears green under cobalt blue light. [3] There is also a version that comes premixed with lidocaine. [4] [8]
Fluorescein was first made in 1871. [9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [10]
It is also sold as a combination drug with oxybuprocaine under the brand name Altafluor Benox. [11] [12]
It is also sometimes administered to pets in multi-pet environments to determine which pet needs behavioral modification.[ citation needed ]