Bludigo
indigotindisulfonate sodium · Injection · Intravenous
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BLUDIGO is indicated for use as a visualization aid in the cystoscopic assessment of the integrity of the ureters in adults following urological and gynecological open, robotic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. BLUDIGO is a diagnostic dye indicated for use as a visualization aid in the cystoscopic assessment of the integrity of the ureters in adults following urological and gynecological open, robotic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
Recommended dose is 5 mL given intravenously over 1 minute. ( 2.1 ) Monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm during and after injection. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dose of BLUDIGO is 5 mL given as an intravenous injection over 1 minute. The blue color is detectable at the ureteral orifices within 4 minutes to 9 minutes after the intravenous injection. 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Monitor blood pressure and cardiac rhythm during and following the injection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Use immediately after opening ampule. Withdraw the contents of the ampule through a 5 micron or smaller filter straw/filter needle to ensure that the withdrawn solution contains no particulates. The withdrawn solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer with infusion assemblies used with other diluents or drugs. Discard any unused portion.
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection: 40 mg per 5 mL (8 mg per mL) indigotindisulfonate sodium as a dark blue solution in a single-dose amber glass ampule. Injection: 40 mg per 5 mL (8 mg per mL) indigotindisulfonate sodium in a single-dose ampule ( 3 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS BLUDIGO is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to indigotindisulfonate or any of its components [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Known hypersensitivity to indigotindisulfonate or any of its components. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Cardiovascular Reactions : Severe or life-threatening cardiovascular reactions including cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, asystole, atrioventricular block second degree, hypotension, elevation in blood pressure, bradycardia, and tachycardia have been reported. Closely monitor blood pressure and cardiac rhythm during and following the BLUDIGO injection. Interrupt administration if reactions are observed. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions : Serious anaphylactic reactions with hypotension, dyspnea, bronchospasm, urticaria, or erythema have been reported. Monitor patients for anaphylactic reactions and have emergency equipment and trained personnel readily available. ( 5.2 ) Interference with Oximetry Measurements : Anesthesiologists should be aware of the potential for artifactual reduction in SpO 2 when anesthetized patients are administered BLUDIGO. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Reactions Severe or life-threatening cardiovascular reactions including cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, asystole, second degree atrioventricular block, hypotension, elevation in blood pressure, bradycardia, and tachycardia have been reported generally within 60 minutes following administration of indigotindisulfonate sodium injection products and required urgent intervention [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Indigotindisulfonate may cause vasoconstriction by interference with vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide dependent mechanisms and by direct vasoconstriction. Indigotindisulfonate may also cause hypotension. Patients with hypertension, heart rate and conduction disorders, or medications causing bradycardia may be at increased risk for elevated blood pressure, hypotension, and bradycardia. Closely monitor blood pressure and cardiac rhythm during and following the injection of BLUDIGO. Interrupt administration if reactions are observed. 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious anaphylactic reactions with hypotension, dyspnea, bronchospasm, urticaria, or erythema have been reported with the use of indigotindisulfonate sodium injection products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . BLUDIGO is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to indigotindisulfonate [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Monitor patients for anaphylactic reactions and have emergency equipment and trained personnel readily available. 5.3 Interference with Oximetry Measurements Indigotindisulfonate has been reported to interfere with light absorption and transiently interfere with pulse oximetric methods. Anesthesiologists should be aware of the potential for artifactual reduction in SpO 2 when anesthetized patients are administered BLUDIGO.
Side effects
Clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Adverse reactions (≥ 1%) are constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia, ALT increase, and dysuria. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals at 1–800-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of BLUDIGO was evaluated in a randomized, intra-patient controlled, blind to dose of BLUDIGO, clinical trial. A total of 118 adult patients undergoing endoscopic urological or gynecological procedures were treated intravenously; 58 (49%) of these patients received one dose of BLUDIGO 2.5 mL and 60 (51%) of patients received one dose of BLUDIGO 5 mL. The 2.5 mL dose is not approved [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. The mean age of patients was 51 years and 35 (30%) patients were 65 years of age or older. The majority of patients were White 105 (89%) and female 87 (74%). The adverse reactions (≥1%) reported in the clinical trial are provided in Table 1 . Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported at ≥ 1% of Patients Receiving BLUDIGO 5 mL Intravenously BLUDIGO 5 mL (N=60) n (%) Constipation 3 (5.0) Nausea 2 (3.3) Vomiting 2 (3.3) Abdominal Pain 2 (3.3) Pyrexia 2 (3.3) ALT increase 2 (3.3) Dysuria 1 (1.7) 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified following the use of indigotindisulfonate sodium injection products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular disorders: cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, asystole, atrioventricular block second degree, hypotension, elevation in blood pressure, bradycardia, tachycardia General disorders and administration site conditions: injection site discoloration Immune system disorders: anaphylactic reactions with hypotension, dyspnea, bronchospasm, urticaria, erythema
Use in specific populations
Renal Impairment: BLUDIGO is not recommended for use in patients with eGFR<30 mL/min. ( 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from case reports, case series, observational studies and clinical experience with indigotindisulfonate sodium injection use in pregnant women over several decades have not identified a drug associated risk of adverse maternal and fetal adverse effects. Indigotindisulfonate sodium injection use during the first trimester of pregnancy is rare; thus, the data are insufficient to evaluate for a drug associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. The majority of the published data were from intra-amniotic injections. Animal reproduction studies using the intravenous route of administration have not been conducted. Oral administration of indigotindisulfonate sodium to pregnant rats and rabbits produced no evidence of fetal harm. However, oral availability is low (3%) so that the risk of intravenous administration of indigotindisulfonate sodium during pregnancy cannot be evaluated from the data available . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary It is not known if indigotindisulfonate is present in animal or human milk. The transfer of indigotindisulfonate into breastmilk is likely to be low and adverse effects on the breastfed infant are not expected [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. There are no data on the effect of indigotindisulfonate on the breastfed infant or milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for BLUDIGO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from BLUDIGO or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of BLUDIGO have not been established in pediatric patients. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects in the clinical study of BLUDIGO, 23 (20%) were 65 to 74 years of age, and 12 (10%) were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. 8.6 Renal Impairment Indigotindisulfonate is known to be excreted by the kidney through tubular secretion. No dedicated pharmacokinetic study using BLUDIGO in patients with varying degree of renal impairment has been conducted. Based on subgroup analyses in the randomized clinical trial, dose adjustment is not needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30 to 89 mL/min derived from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula). BLUDIGO has not been studied in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min and is not recommended for use in these patients.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from case reports, case series, observational studies and clinical experience with indigotindisulfonate sodium injection use in pregnant women over several decades have not identified a drug associated risk of adverse maternal and fetal adverse effects. Indigotindisulfonate sodium injection use during the first trimester of pregnancy is rare; thus, the data are insufficient to evaluate for a drug associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. The majority of the published data were from intra-amniotic injections. Animal reproduction studies using the intravenous route of administration have not been conducted. Oral administration of indigotindisulfonate sodium to pregnant rats and rabbits produced no evidence of fetal harm. However, oral availability is low (3%) so that the risk of intravenous administration of indigotindisulfonate sodium during pregnancy cannot be evaluated from the data available . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of BLUDIGO have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects in the clinical study of BLUDIGO, 23 (20%) were 65 to 74 years of age, and 12 (10%) were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Description
(indigotindisulfonate sodium injection, USP) is a sterile deep blue diagnostic dye for intravenous use. Each mL contains 8 mg indigotindisulfonate sodium (equivalent to 7.2 mg indigotindisulfonate) and may also contain citric acid and sodium citrate to adjust pH value between 3 and 6.5 and has an osmolality ≤0.05 osmol/kg. Indigotindisulfonate sodium is also known as indigo carmine. The chemical name of indigotindisulfonate sodium is Disodium 3,3'-dioxo-[Δ 2,2' -biindoline]-5,5'-disulfonate. Its molecular formula is C 16 H 8 N 2 Na 2 O 8 S 2 and its molecular weight is 466.35 g/mol. Its structural formula is: Indigotindisulfonate sodium Structural Formula
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Indigotindisulfonate is a dye excreted by the kidney through tubular secretion and enhances visualization of the ureteral orifices by its deep blue color.
How supplied
How Supplied BLUDIGO (Indigotindisulfonate Sodium Injection, USP) is a dark blue solution in amber glass ampules supplied as follows: NDC BLUDIGO ® (Indigotindisulfonate Sodium Injection, USP) Package Factor (8 mg per mL) 25021-840-05 40 mg per 5 mL Single-Dose Ampules 5 ampules per Carton Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in original carton to protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use immediately after opening ampule. Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. Not made with natural rubber latex.
Storage
Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in original carton to protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use immediately after opening ampule. Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. Not made with natural rubber latex.
Patient information
Cardiovascular Reactions Advise the patient of the possibility of developing elevated blood pressure, hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, or atrioventricular block during or after the administration of BLUDIGO [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Injection Site and Urine Discoloration Inform the patient that BLUDIGO may cause a blue discoloration of injection site and urine and that the discoloration should resolve within 48 hours. Advise the patient to inform the healthcare provider if the discoloration of the injection site is associated with other symptoms [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . sagent ® Mfd. for SAGENT Pharmaceuticals Schaumburg, IL 60173 (USA) Made in France ©2025 Sagent Pharmaceuticals November 2025
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Sagent Pharmaceuticals (revised Jul 20, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Indigotindisulfonate Sodium in 2 products
Bludigo NDC products (2)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81284-315 | Indigotindisulfonate Sodium 8 mg/mL Injection | Provepharm Inc. | NDA |
| 25021-840 | Indigotindisulfonate Sodium 8 mg/mL Injection | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | NDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Bludigo used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BLUDIGO is indicated for use as a visualization aid in the cystoscopic assessment of the integrity of the ureters in adults following urological and gynecological open, robotic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. BLUDIGO is a diagnostic dye indicated for use as a visualization aid in the cystoscopic assessment of the integrity of the ureters in adults following urological…
What are the side effects of Bludigo?
Clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Adverse reactions (≥ 1%) are constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia, ALT increase, and dysuria. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Bludigo?
Bludigo is listed by 2 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including Provepharm Inc., Sagent Pharmaceuticals.