HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYLCELLULOSE (Ophthalmic)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• 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

In Canada?

• Eyelube
• Isopto Tears
• Methocel
• Moisture Drops
• Ocutears
• Tears Naturale
• Tears Naturale II
• Tears Naturale Free

Another commonly used name is hypromellose.

Category

• Diagnostic aid, contact lens procedures
• Diagnostic aid, gonioscopy
• Lubricant,ophthalmic
• Protectant, ophthalmic
• Tears, artificial

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 torelieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow. It helps preventdamage to the eye in certain eye diseases. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose mayalso 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 havespecial instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical problem.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is available in the following dosage form:

Ophthalmic
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicinewithout 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 orallergic reaction to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Also tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.

Pregnancy?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been shownto cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been reportedto cause problems in nursing babies.

Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in children with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin children than it does in adults.

Older adults?Many medicine have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the elderly with use inother age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effectsor problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lowereyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouchand gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutesto allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip 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 thismedicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health careprofessional.

Dosing?The dose of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose willbe different for different patients. Follow your doctor'sorders or the directions on the label. The following information includesonly the average doses of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tellsyou to do so.

The number of doses you use each day, the time allowedbetween doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medicalproblem for which you are using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

• For dry eyes:
  • For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosageform:
    • Adults and children?Use 1 drop three or four times a day.

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 surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued rednessor irritation of the eye, or if your symptoms continue for more than 3 daysor become worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

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 mayneed medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effectoccurs:

Eye irritation not present before use of this medicine

Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour health care professional if any of the following side effects continueor are bothersome:

Less common?more common with 1% solution

Blurred vision; matting or stickinessof eyelashes

Other sideeffects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice anyother effects, check with your health care professional.