FLUORESCEIN SODIUM

Medical Diagnosis and Drugs, Medications

FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
(flure'e-seen)
Fluorescite
Classifications: ophthalmic diagnostic agent;
Therapeutic:ophthalmic diagnostic agent
Pregnancy Category: X

Availability

100 mg/mL injection

Action

Mildly antiseptic fluorescent dye related chemically to phenolphthalein that demonstrates defects of the corneal epithelium.

Therapeutic Effect

Any break in the epithelial tissue allows the dye to enter the tissue. Epithelial damage will appear as a bright green area.

Uses

Used IV as a diagnostic aid in retinal angiography. Also used as an antidote for aniline dye.

Contraindications

Intraarterial administration; intrathecal administration; pregnancy (category X).

Cautious Use

History of hypersensitivity, allergies, bronchial asthma.

Route & Dosage

Retinal Angiography
Adult: IV 5 mL of 10% solution or 3 mL of 25% solution injected rapidly in antecubital vein
Child: IV 7.5 mg/kg injected rapidly in antecubital vein

Administration

Intravenous

ADMINISTER: IV Direct for Adult: 5 mL of 10% solution or 3 mL of 25% solution injected rapidly in antecubital vein. IV Direct for Child: 7.5 mg/kg injected rapidly in antecubital vein.

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

CNS: Headache, paresthesias, pyrexia, convulsions. CV: Hypotension, transient dyspnea, acute pulmonary edema, basilar artery ischemia, syncope, severe shock, cardiac arrest. GI: Nausea, vomiting, strong metallic taste following high dosage. Body as a Whole: Hypersensitivity (urticaria, pruritus, angioneurotic edema, anaphylactic reaction). Skin: Thrombophlebitis at injection site, temporary discoloration of skin and urine.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Have facilities for treatment of anaphylactic reaction immediately available (e.g., epinephrine 1:1000 for IV or IM use, an antihistamine, and oxygen).
Discontinue fluorescein immediately if S&S of sensitivity develop.

Patient & Family Education

Note: IV administration may impart a yellowish orange discoloration to skin and to urine. Skin discoloration usually fades in 6–12 h; urine clears in 24–36 h.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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