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Uranine: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Uranine - General Information

A phthalic indicator dye that appears yellow-green in normal tear film and bright green in a more alkaline medium, such as the aqueous humor, and is used therapeutically as a diagnostic aid in corneal injuries and corneal trauma. It has been approved by FDA for use in externally applied drugs and cosmetics. (From Merck Index, 12th ed; American Medical Association Drug Evaluations; 1995, p2275)

 

Pharmacology of Uranine

Not Available

 

Uranine for patients

Skin will attain a temporary yellowish discoloration. Urine attains a bright yellow color. Discoloration of the skin fades in 6 to 12 hours; urine fluorescence in 24 to 36 hours.

 

Uranine Interactions

 

Uranine Contraindications

Contraindicated in those persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.

 

Additional information about Uranine

Uranine Indication: For diagnostic imaging. Primarily indicated in diagnostic fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the fundus and of the iris vasculature. Mechanism Of Action: Uranine sodium is used extensively as a diagnostic tool in the field of ophthalmology. Uranine is a fluorescent compound or fluorophore having a maximum absorbance of 494 m and an emission maximum of 521 nm. The yellowish-green fluorescence of the compound can be used to demarcate the vascular area under observation, distinguishing it from adjacent areas. It is applied topically in the form of a drop or it can be injected intravenously to produce a fluorescein angiogram. Topical fluorescein is a useful tool in the diagnosis of corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, herpetic corneal infections, and dry eye. Uranine angiography is used to diagnose and categorize macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inflammatory intraocular conditions, and intraocular tumors. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Fluorescein Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Contrast Media Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Fluorescein: Acid Yellow 73; Eosin; Fluorescein Sodium salt; Fluorescein acid; Fluorescein disodium salt; Fluorescein disodium salt dihydrate; Fluorescein sodium; Fluorescein, Disodium Salt, Fluorescein, disodium salt; Fluorescite; Funduscein-25; Uranin; Uranine; Absorption: Rapidly distributed Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: 85% Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Uranine: Solution IntravenousLiquid IntravenousStrip TopicalStrip OphthalmicLiquid Ophthalmic Chemical IUPAC Name: 3',6'-dihydroxyspiro[2-benzofuran-3,9'-xanthene]-1-one Chemical Formula: C20H12O5 Fluorescein on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescein Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals