Fluorescein (medical use)
Fluorescein drops being put in the eye before examination | |
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Pronunciation | FLURE-a-seen |
Routes of administration | topical (eye drops), intravenous, by mouth |
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Formula | C20H10Na2O5 |
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Fluorescein is used to help in the diagnosis of a number of eye problems.[1] 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.[2][3] 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.[1]
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.[4][1] 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. Allergic reactions may rarely occur. Fluorescein is a dye which is taken up by damaged cornea such that the area appears green under cobalt blue light.[1] There is also a version that comes premixed with lidocaine.[2]
Fluorescein was first made in 1871.[5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[6] The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 12.25 USD per 5 ml bottle.[7] In the United Kingdom a single dose costs the NHS about 0.43 pounds.[2] It is also not very expensive in the United States.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Duvall, Brian; Kershner, Robert M. (2006). Ophthalmic Medications and Pharmacology. SLACK Incorporated. p. 29. ISBN 9781556427503.
- 1 2 3 British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. pp. 769, 772. ISBN 9780857111562.
- 1 2 Hamilton, Richart (2015). Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2015 Deluxe Lab-Coat Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 416. ISBN 9781284057560.
- ↑ WHO Model Formulary 2008 (PDF). World Health Organization. 2009. p. 314. ISBN 9789241547659. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ↑ Bartlett, Jimmy D.; Jaanus, Siret D. (2008). Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 283. ISBN 0750675764.
- ↑ "WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (19th List)" (PDF). World Health Organization. April 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ↑ "Fluorescein". International Drug Price Indicator Guide. Retrieved 8 December 2016.