Rose Bengal
/api/v1/drug/rose-bengalMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAACTION As a vital stain, Rose Bengal stains both the nuclei and cell walls of dead or degenerated epithelial cells of the cornea and conjunctiva. Rose Bengal will also stain the mucus of the precorneal tear film.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Rose Bengal ophthalmic strips are used as a diagnostic agent in routine ocular examinations or when superficial conjunctiva or corneal tissue change is suspected. Rose Bengal ophthalmic strips can also serve as an effective aid in the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, keratitis, abrasions or corrosions as well as the detection of foreign bodies.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Known hypersensitivity to Rose Bengal.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDADIRECTIONS FOR USE To ensure optimal staining and patient comfort, the GloStrip impregnated tip should be moistened with one or two drops of sterile, isotonic saline or irrigating solution before application. Shake off excess solution and touch conjunctiva or fornix as required with moistened tip. It is recommended that the patient blink several times after application.
FAERS reports
- 1Discomfort150%
- 2Eye Pain150%
- 3Photophobia150%
- 4Therapy Non-responder150%
- 5Vision Blurred150%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Rose Bengal as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Using Rose Bengal photosensitizer for controlling Aphis gossypii and reducing transmission of zucchini yellow mosaic virus on squash plants.Scientific reports · 2026 · Soliman DZ, El-Masarawy MS, Kheder AA, et al.PMID 42156438DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-51365-6
- Comparative Effects of Riboflavin-UVA and Rose Bengal-Green Light Cross-Linking on Corneal Neovascularization.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science · 2026 · Oral M, Dayanir D, Arik Erol GN, et al.PMID 42096220DOI 10.1167/iovs.67.5.16
- The Association of Rose Bengal with Macrophage Polarization and Oxidative Stress Response in Full-Thickness Excisional and Grafted Burn Wounds: A Porcine In Vivo Study.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2026 · Kleinhapl J, Song J, Wang Y, et al.PMID 42075501DOI 10.3390/medicina62040629
- Parameter-Dependent Effects of Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy on MRSA Inhibition and Corneal Cytokine Expression.Translational vision science & technology · 2026 · Arboleda A, Durkee H, Aguilar MC, et al.PMID 41983771DOI 10.1167/tvst.15.4.14
- Upconversion mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-delivering celecoxib and rose bengal enable multimodal immunogenic and anti-angiogenic therapy for spinal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer.Oncogene · 2026 · Li X, Liu S, Wang R, et al.PMID 41673094DOI 10.1038/s41388-026-03679-y
- Hemodynamic and Electrophysiological Progression of the Rose Bengal Photothrombotic Stroke Model in Mice.The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2026 · Chary P, Rehmani S, Davidson S, et al.PMID 41672876DOI 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1818-25.2026
- Lectin-Rose Bengal Conjugates for Targeted Photodynamic Inactivation of Pathogenic Bacteria.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026 · Atrash M, Hovor I, Nisnevitch M, et al.PMID 41596466DOI 10.3390/ijms27020819
- Evaluating Photochemical Interactions Between Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy and Topical Antifungals in Fungal Keratitis Isolates.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science · 2026 · Krishna K, Chou B, Gonzalez L, et al.PMID 41533911DOI 10.1167/iovs.67.1.11
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 20 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Rose Bengal as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Rose Bengal Electromagnetic Activation With Green Light for Infection ReductionCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 330 enrolled · University of California, San FranciscoNCT05110001updated 2026-01-30
- Rose Bengal Electromagnetic Activation With Green Light for Infection Reduction IIActive not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 60 enrolled · University of California, San FranciscoNCT06271772updated 2025-12-18
- Innovative Imaging of the Conjunctiva, Cornea, and Ocular AdnexaCompleted · Interventional · 112 enrolled · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint EtienneNCT02386774updated 2024-01-08
- PV-10 in Combination With Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Metastatic MelanomaUnknown · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.NCT02557321updated 2023-11-21
- A Phase 1 Study of PV-10 Chemoablation of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) Metastatic to the LiverUnknown · Phase 1 · Interventional · 12 enrolled · Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.NCT02693067updated 2023-02-08
- A Study to Assess PV-10 Chemoablation of Cancer of the LiverUnknown · Phase 1 · Interventional · 78 enrolled · Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.NCT00986661updated 2022-11-02
- PV-10 vs Chemotherapy or Oncolytic Viral Therapy for Treatment of Locally Advanced Cutaneous MelanomaTerminated · Phase 3 · Interventional · 20 enrolled · Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.NCT02288897updated 2022-01-19
- Topical PH-10 Aqueous Hydrogel and Photodynamic Therapy for PsoriasisTerminated · Phase 2 · Interventional · 6 enrolled · Provectus PharmaceuticalsNCT00555646updated 2021-12-16
- Curcumin; Rose Bengal; Denture StomatitisUnknown · Phase 3 · Interventional · 45 enrolled · King Saud UniversityNCT04837664updated 2021-04-08
- Comparison or Rose Bengal and Toluidine Blue Staining for Lesion Detection EfficacyCompleted · Observational · 27 enrolled · The Oxford Dental College, Hospital and Research Center, Bangalore, IndiaNCT03031899updated 2018-11-05
Frequently asked questions
- How does Rose Bengal work?
- ACTION As a vital stain, Rose Bengal stains both the nuclei and cell walls of dead or degenerated epithelial cells of the cornea and conjunctiva. Rose Bengal will also stain the mucus of the precorneal tear film.
- What is Rose Bengal used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Rose Bengal carries indications including: Rose Bengal ophthalmic strips are used as a diagnostic agent in routine ocular examinations or when superficial conjunctiva or corneal tissue change is suspected. Rose Bengal ophthalmic strips can also serve as an effective aid in the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, keratitis, abrasions or corrosions as well as the detection of foreign bodies.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Rose Bengal?
- Rose Bengal is classified as Dyes, Unknown Physiological Effect.
- What are the contraindications for Rose Bengal?
- Rose Bengal labeling lists contraindications including: Known hypersensitivity to Rose Bengal.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
rose-bengal is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.