Generic
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
6 brands available in the market
At a glance
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is an eye lubricant or artificial tears used to relieve dry eyes and as an ophthalmic surgical aid during anterior chamber surgical procedures.
Description
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is an eye lubricant that provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to dry eyes. It works similar to natural tears and maintains proper lubrication of the eyes. It is also used during anterior chamber surgical procedures, where it maintains deep anterior chamber depth and protects the corneal endothelium and other ocular tissues from surgical trauma.
Indications
- Dry eyes
- Anterior chamber surgical procedures (including cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion)
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Dry eyes
Pharmacological class
Ocular Lubricant (Artificial Tears)
Pharmacology
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose maintains a deep anterior chamber during anterior segment surgery, allowing for more efficient manipulation with less trauma to the corneal endothelium and other ocular tissues. Its viscoelasticity helps push back the vitreous face, preventing formation of a postoperative flat chamber.
Mechanism of action
Works similar to natural tears and maintains anterior chamber depth to protect ocular tissues.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Ophthalmic):
- Dry Eyes: 1-2 drops 3-4 times daily as needed
- Cataract Surgery & IOL Implantation: Inject into anterior chamber during surgery; may be used to coat intraocular lens and surgical instrument tips
Child Dose: No specific data; use as directed by physician
Administration
For external use only; use in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor; hold dropper close to eye without touching it; place medicine inside lower eyelid; wipe off extra liquid; apply pressure on corner of eye for 1 minute after instillation; wait 5-10 minutes before next medication.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Blurred vision
- Eye irritation
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Foreign body sensation in eyes
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Do not drive or operate machinery if vision is not clear
- May require long-term use
- Stinging sensation may occur for 1-2 minutes; inform doctor if persists
- Use within 4 weeks of opening the bottle
- Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses
- Inform doctor if eye infection develops
- Post-operative intraocular pressure may increase; appropriate therapy should be administered
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any component
Drug interactions
No significant interactions known.
Food interactions
No food interaction found/established.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information regarding use during breastfeeding is not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
Safe for elderly patients; no specific dosage adjustment needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No interaction found/established for renal or hepatic impairment.
Overdose effects
No information on overdose; do not exceed the recommended dose.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; do not freeze; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose