fluorescein sodium

Fluorescein sodium is a small molecule diagnostic dye used as an ophthalmic diagnostic agent. It is indicated for use in diagnostic fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the retina and iris vasculature to evaluate retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Fluorescein sodium functions as a fluorescent tracer that, when excited by blue light (465–490 nm), emits a yellowish-green fluorescence (520–530 nm) to illuminate ocular blood vessels. The standard dose is 500 mg administered intravenously, but a 250 mg (half-dose) has been studied by the Kresge Eye Institute for use with high-sensitivity imaging systems like Optos ultra-widefield angiography, demonstrating comparable image quality with potentially reduced adverse effects. The drug was first approved in the U.S. in 1976, with Alcon's Fluorescite being a prominent brand name.

Brand names

AK-FluorAngiosceinFluoresciteFunduscein

Other names

disodium fluoresceinfluoresceinfluorescein disodiumfluorescein disodium saltresorcinol phthalein sodiumsodium fluoresceinsoluble fluoresceinuranine