fluorescein sodium + proparacaine hydrochloride

Fluorescein sodium + proparacaine hydrochloride is a combination **small-molecule ophthalmic solution** that pairs the diagnostic dye fluorescein sodium with the topical local anesthetic proparacaine hydrochloride. The product is used as an ophthalmic drop when both corneal surface anesthesia and fluorescein staining are needed during eye procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, foreign body or suture removal, and short corneal or conjunctival procedures. Fluorescein sodium acts as a topical ophthalmic disclosing agent by fluorescing in the presence of aqueous tear film and highlighting corneal epithelial defects, while proparacaine hydrochloride provides rapid local anesthesia by reversibly blocking voltage-gated sodium channel-dependent nerve impulse conduction in sensory nerves. Historical marketed products include Flucaine and Fluorocaine, with manufacturing associated with Altaire Pharmaceuticals and prior distribution associated with OCuSOFT; the formulation has been described as an unapproved ophthalmic drug product in the United States.

Brand names

FlucaineFluorocaine

Other names

fluorescein sodium + proparacaine hydrochloridefluorescein sodium and proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution