ROSE BENGAL (OPHTHALMIC)

Indications/Pharmacology

Rose Bengal is a vital stain and stains dead epithelial cells and mucus. Fullthickness loss of the corneal epithelium is not necessary (only dead cells need be present) to obtain Rose
Bengal stain uptake. It does not stain epithelial defects and does not pass into intercellular spaces.
Rose Bengal stain is most commonly employed in the detection of the presence of viral keratitis in thecat. Because feline herpes virus tends to infect one cell, moving then to an adjacent cell (causing the socalled dendritic tracts in the cornea) without full thickness loss of corneal epithelium initially, Rose
Bengal is an ideal diagnostic agent for this infection. Rose Bengal can also be used to detect damagedcorneal epithelium on the dorsal cornea in early cases of keratitis sicca. Rose Bengal stain is virucidalalthough no information is available relative to its use as a therapeutic agent.Suggested Dosages/Precautions/Adverse Effects - Rose Bengal is applied as a solution (1-2 drops inconjunctival sac before examination) or from an impregnated strip (saturate tip of strip with sterileirrigating solution; touch bulbar conjunctiva or lower fornix with moistened strip; cause patient to blinkseveral times to distribute the stain).
Rose Bengal is apparently toxic to the cornea and conjunctiva and should be thoroughly flushed from theeye after use to prevent irritation. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. May stain clothing.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Rose Bengal Solution 1% in 5 ml dropper bottles (Akorn); Rx
Rose Bengal Strips 1.3 mg per strip; Rosets® (Akorn), Generic (Barnes-Hind); Rx