Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Ophthalmic)
   
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Ophthalmic)
US Brand Names
• Artificial Tears
• Bion Tears
• Gonak
• Goniosoft
• Goniosol
• Isopto Alkaline
• Isopto Plain
• Isopto Tears
• Just Tears
• Lacril
• Moisture Drops
• Nature's Tears
• Ocucoat
• Ocucoat PF
• Tearisol
• Tears Naturale
• Tears Naturale II
• Tears Naturale Free
• Tears Renewed
• Ultra Tears
Canadian Brand Names
• Eyelube
• Isopto Tears
• Methocel
• Moisture Drops
• Ocutears
• Tears Naturale
• Tears Naturale II
• Tears Naturale Free
Another commonly used name is hypromellose .
Description
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil meth-ill-SELL-yoo-lose) belongs to the group of medicines known as artificial tears. It is used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow. It helps prevent damage to the eye in certain eye diseases. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may also be used to moisten hard contact lenses and artificial eyes. In addition, it may be used in certain eye examinations.
Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the Administration for your medical problem.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is available in the following dosage form:
Special Considerations
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children
Although there is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults
Many medicine have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Administration
To use:
• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
For patients wearing hard contact lenses :
• Take care not to float the lens from your eye when applying this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Dosing
The dose of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose .
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions
If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your symptoms continue for more than 3 days or become worse, check with your doctor .
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs:
Eye irritation not present before use of this medicine.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
more common with 1% solutionBlurred vision; matting or stickiness of eyelashes.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.
August 14, 1995 
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