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Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose  (Ophthalmic)

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Brand Names

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


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 proper use of this medicine for your medical problem.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is available in the following dosage form:



Before Using This Medicine

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.



Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

For patients wearing hard contact lenses:

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:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

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 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 the following side effect occurs:


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:

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



Revised: 08/14/1995

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Copyright© 2003 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.