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Fluorescein Sodium

Ophthalmic diagnostic dye
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Water-soluble fluorescent dye that stains areas of corneal epithelial defects (ulcers, abrasions) green-yellow under cobalt blue light, enabling detection of corneal damage and assessment of tear film integrity

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic diagnostic dye
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Below 25°C, keep strips in sealed foil until use

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment
Dose
1 strip or drop per eye
Route
topical ophthalmic
Frequency
Single application for diagnostics
Max dose
0 mg
Duration: Single use; repeat as needed for follow-up
🐈

Cat

Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing
Dose
1 strip or drop per eye
Route
topical ophthalmic
Frequency
Single application for diagnostics
Max dose
0 mg
Duration: Single use
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Ophthalmic strip — 1

Strength
1mg per strip
Available in India
🧴

Ophthalmic solution — 1

Strength
2%
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, keep strips in sealed foil until use

Safety

Use with caution

  • Soft contact lenses
    Stains lenses; not typically applicable in veterinary medicine

Adverse effects

Common
Transient stinging on application
Temporary yellow-green discoloration of tears
Serious
Allergic reaction (extremely rare)

Monitoring parameters

Fluorescein retention patternCorneal ulcer size and depth
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Fluorescein Strips
Various (Haag-Streit)
Flu-Glo
Hub Pharmaceuticals

India

Fluorescein Strips
Optitech
Fluress
Entod Pharmaceuticals

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Fluorescein Sodium?
Fluorescein Sodium is a ophthalmic diagnostic dye used in pets. Water-soluble fluorescent dye that stains areas of corneal epithelial defects (ulcers, abrasions) green-yellow under cobalt blue light, enabling detection of corneal damage and assessment of tear film integrity
What is Fluorescein Sodium used for in pets?
Fluorescein Sodium is used in veterinary medicine for: Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment; Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing.
What is the Fluorescein Sodium dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fluorescein Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment: 1 strip or drop per eye topical ophthalmic Single application for diagnostics. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Fluorescein Sodium dose for cats?
For cats, Fluorescein Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing: 1 strip or drop per eye topical ophthalmic Single application for diagnostics. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Fluorescein Sodium?
Common: Transient stinging on application, Temporary yellow-green discoloration of tears. Serious (call your vet immediately): Allergic reaction (extremely rare).
Does Fluorescein Sodium need a prescription?
Fluorescein Sodium is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Ophthalmic diagnostic dye).

Fluorescein Stain Ophthalmic
Hydrophilic fluorescent dye that pools in areas of corneal epithelial loss (ulcers, erosions) but does not stain intact epithelium. Under cobalt blue light, fluorescein-stained areas fluoresce bright green, delineating the extent of corneal damage.
dogcat
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