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Fluorescein
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Dye [EPC] | EPC | 3 members — no class page |
| Dyes [MoA] | MoA | 3 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 218651-001 | FLUORESCEIN SODIUM | INJECTABLE | FLUORESCEIN SODIUM | Prescription | AP | ||
| 218651-002 | FLUORESCEIN SODIUM | INJECTABLE | FLUORESCEIN SODIUM | Prescription | — | RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | June 1, 2026 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260602). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1. INDICATIONS & USAGE Fluoresecin Injection 10%, , (100 mg/mL) and Fluorescein Injection 25% (250 mg/mL) is indicated in diagnostic fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the retina and iris vasculature. Fluorescein Injection, USP is indicated in diagnostic fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the retina and iris vasculature. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2. DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The normal adult dose of Fluorescein Injection 10%, is 5 mL (500 mg) and of Fluorescein Injection 25%, is 2 mL (500 mg) via intravenous administration. ( 2.1 ) For children, the dose should be calculated on the basis of 35 mg for each ten pounds of body weight (7.7 mg/kg body weight). ( 2.2 ) Do not mix or dilute with other solutions or drugs. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Dosing Adult Dose The recommended dosage of Fluorescein Injection 10% (100 mg/mL) and of Fluorescein Injection 25% (250 mg/mL) is 500 mg via intravenous administration. Pediatric Dose For children, the dose is 7.7 mg/kg (actual body weight) up to a maximum of 500 mg, via intravenous infusion calculated on the basis of 35 mg for each 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of body weight. 2.2 Preparation for Administration Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not mix or dilute with other solutions or drugs. Discard unused portion. 2.3 Administration Inject the dose (over 5-10 seconds is normally recommended) into the antecubital vein, after taking precautions to avoid extravasation. A syringe, fi led with Fluorescein, may be attached to transparent tubing and a 23 gauge butterfly needle for injection. Insert the needle and draw the patient's blood to the hub of the syringe so that a small air bubble separates the patient's blood in the tubing from the fluorescein. With the room lights on, slowly inject the blood back into the vein while watching the skin over the needle tip. If the needle has extravasated, the patient's blood will be seen to bulge the skin and the injection should be stopped before any fluorescein is injected. When assured that extravasation has not occurred, the room light may be turned off and the fluorescein injection completed. Luminescence usually appears in the retina and choroidal vessels in 7 to 14 seconds and can be observed by standard viewing equipment. Reduction in dose from 500 mg to 200 mg Fluorescein Injection, 10% may be appropriate in cases when a highly sensitive imaging system e.g., scanning laser ophthalmoscope is used.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 10% (500 mg/5 mL) (100 mg/mL) of fluorescein sodium as a clear dark reddish orange color solution in a single-dose vial. 25% (500 mg/2 mL) (250 mg/mL) of fluorescein sodium as a clear dark reddish orange color solution in a single-dose vial. Injection ( 3 ): 10% (500 mg/5 mL) (100 mg/mL) of fluorescein sodium in a single-dose vial 25% (500 mg/2 mL) (250 mg/mL) of fluorescein sodium in a single-dose vial
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. ( 4.1 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Fluorescein Injection, USP is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluorescein sodium or any other ingredients in this product. Rare cases of death due to anaphylaxis have been reported [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 ) and ADVERSE REACTIONS ( 6.2 )] .
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Respiratory reactions ( 5.1 ) Severe local tissue damage ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Respiratory Reactions Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of allergy or bronchial asthma. An emergency tray should always be available. If a potential allergy is suspected, an intradermal skin test may be performed prior to intravenous administration, i.e., 0.05 mL injected intradermally to be evaluated 30 minutes to 60 minutes following injection. Given the sensitivity and specificity of skin testing, a negative skin test is not proof that a patient is not allergic to fluorescein. 5.2 Severe local tissue damage Extravasation during injection can result in severe local tissue damage due to high pH of fluorescein solution. The following complications resulting from extravasation of fluorescein have been noted to occur: Sloughing of the skin, superficial phlebitis, subcutaneous granuloma, and toxic neuritis along the median nerve in the antecubital area. Complications resulting from extravasation can cause severe pain in the arm for up to several hours. When extravasation occurs, the injection should be discontinued and conservative measures to treat damaged tissue and to relieve pain should be implemented. [see Administration ( 2.3 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.6 )] .
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions include skin discoloration, urine discoloration, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lambda Therapeutics Limited at 1-855-642-2594or email: safety.nexuspharma@lambda-cro.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch ( 6 ) 6.1 Skin and urine discoloration The most common reaction is discoloration of the skin and urine. Skin will attain a temporary ye lowish discoloration. Urine attains a bright ye llow color. Discoloration of the skin usually fades in 6 to 12 hours and usually fades in urine in 24 to 36 hours. 6.2 Gastrointestinal Reaction The next most common adverse reaction is nausea. Vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress have also occurred. A strong taste may develop after injection. 6.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Symptoms and signs of hypersensitivity have occurred. Generalized hives and itching, bronchospasm and anaphylaxis have been reported. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4.1 ) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 )] . 6.4 Cardiopulmonary Reactions Syncope and hypotension may occur. Cardiac arrest, basilar artery ischemia, severe shock and death may occur rarely [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 )] . 6.5 Neurologic Reactions Headache may occur. Convulsions may rarely occur following injection. 6.6 Thrombophlebitis Thrombophlebitis at the injection site has been reported. Extravasation of the solution at the injection site causes intense pain at the site and a dull aching pain in the injected arm. [see ADMINISTRATION ( 2.3 ) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.2 )] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Caution should be exercised when fluorescein sodium is administered to a nursing woman. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. Adequate animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with fluorescein sodium. It is also not known whether fluorescein sodium can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Fluorescein sodium should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Fluorescein sodium has been demonstrated to be excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when fluorescein sodium is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Pediatric patients have been included in clinical studies. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between pediatric and adult patients. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Fluorescein sodium responds to electromagnetic radiation and light between the wavelengths of 465 nm to 490 nm and fluoresces, i.e., emits light at wavelengths of 520 nm to 530 nm. Thus, the hydrocarbon is excited by blue light and emits light that appears yellowish green. Following intravenous injection of fluorescein sodium in an aqueous solution, the unbound fraction of the fluorescein can be excited with a blue light flash from a fundus camera as it circulates through the ocular vasculature, and the yellowish green fluorescence of the dye is captured by the camera. In the fundus, the fluorescence of the dye demarcates the retinal and/or choroidal vasculature under observation, distinguishing it from adjacent areas/structures.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Fluorescein injection, USP contains fluorescein sodium, a diagnostic aid, in a sterile solution for use intravenously. It is a clear dark reddish orange solution with a pH of 8.0 to 9.8 and an osmolality of 572 mOsm/kg to 858 mOsm/kg for the 10% and 1,800 mOsm/kg to 2,200 mOsm/kg for the 25%. Its chemical name is spiro[isobenzofuran-1 (3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one,3'6'- dihydroxy, disodium salt. Its molecular weight is 376.27 g/mol. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure: Fluorescein injection, USP 10% (500 mg/5 mL) (100 mg/mL) contains: Active ingredient: fluorescein sodium, USP (10 % w/v, 100 mg/mL), equivalent to 88.3 mg/ml of fluorescein Inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be used to adjust pH (8.0 to 9.8) and Water for Injection. Fluorescein injection, USP 25% (500 mg/2 mL) (250 mg/mL) contains: Active ingredient: fluorescein sodium, USP (25% w/v, 250 mg/mL), equivalent to 220.8 mg/ml of fluorescein Inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be used to adjust pH (8.0 to 9.8) and Water for Injection. Image
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16. HOW SUPPLIED is supplied in the following dosage forms. NDC 51662-1533-2 AK-FLUOR® 10% FLUORESCEIN INJECTION, USP 100mg/mL 5mL VIAL NDC 51662-1533-3 AK-FLUOR® 10% FLUORESCEIN INJECTION, USP 100mg/mL 5mL VIAL (BOX OF 12) HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst Mukilteo, WA 98275 Also supplied in the following manufacture supplied dosage forms: AK-FLUOR® (fluorescein injection, USP) 10% is supplied in a single-dose 5 mL glass vial with a gray bromobutyl serum siliconized stopper and orange flip-off cap. It contains a sterile dark reddish orange solution of fluorescein sodium. (NDC 17478-253-10) 5 mL, single dose vials in a package of 12. AK-FLUOR® (fluorescein injection, USP) 25% is supplied in a single-dose 2 mL glass vial with a gray bromobutyl serum siliconized stopper and orange flip-off cap. It contains a sterile dark reddish orange solution of fluorescein sodium. (NDC 17478-250-20) 2 mL, single dose vials in a package of 12. AK-FLUOR® should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Do not freeze.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: FLUORESCEIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51662-1533-3 | 51662-1533 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 12 POUCH in 1 BOX (51662-1533-3) / 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 POUCH (51662-1533-2) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | May 10, 2021 |
| 14789-122-05 | 14789-122 | Nexus Pharmaceuticals LLC | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (14789-122-05) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL (14789-122-07) | October 24, 2023 |
| 14789-123-05 | 14789-123 | Nexus Pharmaceuticals LLC | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (14789-123-05) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (14789-123-07) | October 24, 2023 |
| 70771-1969-9 | 70771-1969 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 12 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (70771-1969-9) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (70771-1969-1) | June 2, 2026 |
| 70771-1970-9 | 70771-1970 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 12 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (70771-1970-9) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (70771-1970-1) | June 2, 2026 |
| 70710-2045-9 | 70710-2045 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | 12 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (70710-2045-9) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (70710-2045-1) | June 2, 2026 |
| 70710-2046-9 | 70710-2046 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | 12 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (70710-2046-9) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (70710-2046-1) | June 2, 2026 |
| 51662-1533 | 51662-1533 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | May 10, 2021 |
| 14789-122 | 14789-122 | Nexus Pharmaceuticals LLC | — | October 24, 2023 |
| 14789-123 | 14789-123 | Nexus Pharmaceuticals LLC | — | October 24, 2023 |
| 70771-1969 | 70771-1969 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | — | June 2, 2026 |
| 70771-1970 | 70771-1970 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | — | June 2, 2026 |
| 70710-2045 | 70710-2045 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | — | June 2, 2026 |
| 70710-2046 | 70710-2046 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | — | June 2, 2026 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.