Indigo Carmine solution is injected either by the intravenous or intramuscular route, and its appearance at the ureteral orifices is watched with the cystoscope in place. The intravenous method is preferred because a 5 mL injection is sufficient. A lesser dosage in infants, children and underweight patients will prevent skin coloration.
Since precipitation of indigotindisulfonate sodium may occur, Indigo Carmine Solution must not be diluted prior to injection or injected with infusion assemblies which were used with other solutions.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
NOTE: Since Indigo Carmine is a dark blue solution, visual inspection for particulate matter prior to use may not be possible. To ensure that the withdrawn solution contains no particulates, 5 micron filter straws/filter needles must be used when withdrawing contents of ampules1. The 5 micron nylon mesh filter is suitable for withdrawing the drug product, Indigo Carmine.
1 ASHP Guidelines on Compounding Sterile Preparations
PROTECT FROM LIGHT. Indigo Carmine should be stored in the dark, away from direct light, preferably in the original package.
Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F) (See USP Controlled Room Temperature).