Lymphazurin (Subcutaneous)
Generic name: isosulfan blue [ eye-soe-SUL-fan-BLOO ]
Drug class: Lymphatic staining agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 17, 2024.
Uses for Lymphazurin
Isosulfan blue injection is used as an aid in a procedure called lymphography (medical imaging procedure) to test how well your lymphatic system is working in certain parts of your body. It is a blue dye that works by staining the lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This creates a contrast between the lymph nodes and vessels and helps your doctor check for serious medical problems such as lymphedema, chyluria (lymph in the urine), chylous ascites (lymph in the stomach), chylothorax (lymph in the chest), cancer of the lymph nodes, or other problems of the lymphatic system.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Lymphazurin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of isosulfan blue injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of isosulfan blue injection in geriatric patients.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Asthma, history of—Use with caution. May be more likely to experience side effects.
Proper use of Lymphazurin
A doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
Related/similar drugs
glucagon, Lexiscan, mannitol, arginine, Ceretec
Precautions while using Lymphazurin
It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have cold clammy skin; confusion; dizziness; lightheadedness; a skin rash; itching; shortness of breath; sweating; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; or trouble with breathing after you get the injection.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any dye or medicine given during a test or procedure.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
This medicine may cause your urine to turn blue for up to 24 hours after you receive this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Side Effects of Lymphazurin
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Cold, clammy skin
- confusion
- cough
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- fast, weak pulse
- hives or welts
- itching
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- lightheadedness
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- Blue discoloration of the skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lymphazurin
In Canada
- Lymphazurin 1%
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Lymphatic Visualization
More about Lymphazurin (isosulfan blue)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: lymphatic staining agents
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.