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In the U.S.—

Ocucoat

Another commonly used name is hypromellose.

• Surgical aid (ophthalmic)

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ( hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil meth-ill-SELL-yoo-lose) is used as a surgical aid in certain eye surgeries, such as cataract removal and lens implantation procedures. It helps maintain the shape of the eye during surgery as well as protect the tissues of the eye from damage due to surgical instruments.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):

Parenteral-Local
• Injection (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. 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 foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—There is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines 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 or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your doctor if you are using any other ophthalmic prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Glaucoma—An increase in the pressure inside your eye may occur following the surgery

Dosing—

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose will be administered during the surgical procedure.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For use as an ophthalmic surgical aid:
    • Adults—Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is injected into the eye to maintain the shape of the eye and to replace fluid lost during the surgery. The solution is removed at the end of the surgery.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by 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 may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare
  • Blurred vision or other change in vision;  pooling of a whitish fluid visible on the colored part of the eye;  sensitivity to light;  tearing;  throbbing pain in eye 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 10/28/1998