Proparacaine and Fluorescein

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 19, 2023.

Pronunciation

(proe PAR a kane & FLURE e seen)

Index Terms

• Fluorescein and Proparacaine
• Proparac Hcl/Fluorescein Na
• Proparacaine/Fluorescein Sod

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Solution, ophthalmic:

Flucaine: Proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5% and fluorescein sodium 0.25% (5 mL)

Generic: Proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5% and fluorescein sodium 0.25% (5 mL)

Brand Names: U.S.

• Flucaine

Pharmacologic Category

• Diagnostic Agent
• Local Anesthetic
• Local Anesthetic, Ophthalmic

Pharmacology

Fluorescein is a diagnostic dye; proparacaine is a rapid acting anesthetic with short duration.

Onset of Action

Rapid

Duration of Action

Short

Use: Labeled Indications

Ophthalmic procedures: For use in ophthalmic procedures when a topical disclosing agent is needed along with an anesthetic

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to proparacaine, fluorescein, or any component of the formulation

Dosing: Adult

Ophthalmic procedures:

Short corneal and conjunctival surgical procedures requiring deep ophthalmic anesthesia: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop in each eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses

Tonometry, gonioscopy, foreign body or suture removal: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 to 2 drops in each eye just prior to procedure

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

For topical ophthalmic use only; avoid touching tip of dropper to eye, fingers, or other surfaces. Protect eye from irritation, foreign bodies, and rubbing to prevent inadvertent damage; use of an eye patch is recommended.

Storage

Store under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); can be stored for up to 1 month at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

Bupivacaine: Local Anesthetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bupivacaine. Management: Avoid using any additional local anesthetics within 96 hours after insertion of the bupivacaine implant (Xaracoll). Monitor therapy

Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Local Anesthetics. Specifically, the risk for methemoglobinemia may be increased. Monitor therapy

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

1% to 10%: Ophthalmic: Burning sensation of eyes, stinging of eyes

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Allergic contact dermatitis, corneal opacity, epithelial keratopathy (sloughing of necrotic epithelium), eye irritation, hemophthalmos, hypersensitivity reaction, iritis, keratitis, ocular hyperemia

Warnings/Precautions

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease.

• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS stimulation/depression: Rarely, CNS stimulation followed by depression may occur following topical application of local anesthetics.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: For topical ophthalmic use only. To avoid contamination, do not touch dropper tip to eyelids or other surfaces. The anesthetized eye should be protected from irritation, foreign bodies, and rubbing to prevent inadvertent damage; use of an eye patch is recommended.

• Prolonged use: Delayed wound healing and/or permanent corneal opacification with vision loss may occur with prolonged use; not recommended.

Pregnancy Considerations

Refer to individual monographs.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer