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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]