What is Indocyanine Green? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Indocyanine Green overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Indocyanine Green

Uses:

  • Used as a part of medical tests or procedures to help images of your blood vessels, bile ducts, lymph nodes of the cervix and uterus, and other parts of your body show up better. May also be used to test the liver, heart, or eyes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Diagnostic Agent, Cardiac Function, Diagnostic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Indocyanine Green used for?

What form(s) does Indocyanine Green come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Indocyanine Green dosages?

  • Solution Reconstituted 25MG

Indocyanine Green images - What does Indocyanine Green look like?

  • Indocyanine Green
    25mg solution reconstituted

How to take Indocyanine Green

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

What to do if you miss a dose of Indocyanine Green

Indocyanine Green contraindications - Who shouldn't take Indocyanine Green?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to indocyanine green or iodine (iodides).

Indocyanine Green warnings

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of allergies.

Indocyanine Green interactions & what to avoid when taking Indocyanine Green

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Some medicines can affect how indocyanine green works. Tell your doctor if you are using heparin.

Indocyanine Green side effects - How does Indocyanine Green make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed