In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Protectant, ophthalmic
• Tears, artificial

Hydroxypropyl cellulose ( hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil SELL-yoo-lose) belongs to the group of medicines known as artificial tears. It is inserted in the eye to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow that occurs in certain eye diseases.

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

Ophthalmic
• Ocular system (eye system) (U.S. and Canada)

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 cellulose, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.

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

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

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine 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 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. Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine 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.

To use:

• This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine. It is very important that you understand how to insert this eye system properly. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• Before opening the package containing this medicine, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• If the eye system accidentally comes out of your eye, as sometimes occurs when the eye is rubbed, do not put it back in the eye, since it may be contaminated. Instead, insert another eye system if needed.
• You may have to use this medicine for several weeks before your eye symptoms get better.

Dosing—

The dose of hydroxypropyl cellulose 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 cellulose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you use, 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 cellulose.

• For eye system dosage form:
  • For dry eyes or eye irritation:
    • Adults and children—Place one insert in the eye each day.

Missed dose—

If you forget to insert an eye system at the proper time, insert it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

This medicine may cause blurred vision for a short time after each dose is applied. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well .

This medicine may also cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

If your eye symptoms get worse or if you get new eye symptoms, remove the eye system and check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

However, check with your doctor if any of these effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common
  • Blurred vision;  eye redness or discomfort or other irritation not present before use of this medicine;  increased sensitivity of eyes to light;  matting or stickiness of eyelashes;  swelling of eyelids ;  watering of eyes 
  
  

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