Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
About Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is an ophthalmic medication used to treat dry eyes. Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in irritation, discomfort, and blurred vision. It can be caused by factors such as ageing, medication, or environmental conditions. Symptoms include dryness, burning, redness, and eye fatigue.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contains Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, an eye lubricant. It works by forming a transparent, moisturising film on the cornea, providing relief from dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear production.
Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is for eye use only. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how long to use it based on your condition. Some people may experience temporary blurred vision, foreign body sensation, eye pain, redness, or irritation. These side effects usually go away on their own, but if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Before using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, inform your doctor if you're allergic to any of its ingredients or have severe eye conditions or infections. It's for external use only. Temporary blurred vision may occur, so ensure your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting, as the preservative may discolour the lenses. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Uses of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
• Lubrication of dry eyes: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose provides effective lubrication to relieve dryness and irritation, mimicking natural tears. It offers comfort in conditions like dry eye syndrome, post-surgical dryness, or dryness caused by environmental factors.
Medicinal Benefits
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contains Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, which is primarily used to relieve dry eye conditions by acting as an artificial tear. They are effective in alleviating discomfort caused by insufficient tear production, which can result from factors such as prolonged use of visual display units (VDUs), watching TV, infrequent blinking, or exposure to environmental conditions like air conditioning, central heating, wind, and sunlight. These eye drops also help soothe dryness induced by atmospheric pollution and other drying atmospheres. Overall, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose helps maintain eye moisture, reducing irritation and promoting comfort in various situations.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- To apply the drops, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and place the prescribed number of drops into the pocket.
- Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow proper absorption, as directed by your doctor.
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is for ophthalmic use only. Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye or eyelid, to avoid contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Blurred vision
- Foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Eye pain
- Redness of the
- eye
- Eye irritation
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor about any allergies to Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose or other medications. If you're unsure, consult your doctor for guidance. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting, as the preservative may discolour the lenses. Drive only if your vision is clear, as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after applying. If you experience eye pain, headache, changes in vision, continued irritation or redness of the eye, avoid using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and consult a doctor. It is recommended to maintain a time gap of 5 to 15 minutes between using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and other eye medications. Discard the bottle after four weeks from the date of first opening to prevent infection. Please consult a doctor if you develop any eye infection while using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is unknown. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedIt is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy as they are intended for ophthalmic use and have minimal systemic absorption. However, it is still essential to consult your doctor before using it during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is considered safe for use during breastfeeding as they are intended for ophthalmic use and have minimal systemic absorption. However, it is still advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult their doctor before using any medication.
Driving
cautionHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after administration. Therefore, wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is typically considered safe for individuals with liver impairment, as it is applied topically to the eyes and has minimal systemic absorption. However, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to ensure they are appropriate for your specific condition. Always follow your doctor’s guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.
Kidney
safe if prescribedHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is typically considered safe for individuals with kidney impairment, as it is applied topically to the eyes and has minimal systemic absorption. However, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to ensure they are appropriate for your specific condition. Always follow your doctor’s guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.
Children
safe if prescribedHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose should be used for children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use a humidifier in your room to increase moisture and prevent dryness in your environment.
- Limit the time you spend in front of the television or computer.
- If environmental factors cause dry eyes, wear protective eyewear during outdoor activities when it’s windy and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Limit wearing contact lenses and use soft contact lenses if you have dry eyes, as they are moist and allow the eye to breathe better than hard contact lenses.
- Consider taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as they may be beneficial in treating dry eyes.
Special Advise
- If the symptoms persist or worsen for more than 3 days, please consult an eye specialist.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry eyes: It is a common condition that occurs when tears are unable to provide sufficient moisture. The symptoms include redness, pain, a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, discomfort in the eye, watery eyes, difficulty reading or sitting in front of a computer for a long time, or eyes getting tired faster than usual.
FAQs
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is an eye lubricant or artificial tears used to relieve dry eyes.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose works by forming a lubricating, transparent and moistening film on the cornea (surface of the eye). Thereby, it provides a soothing effect and relieves irritation and dryness caused by decreased tear flow.
You are recommended to maintain a time gap of 5 to 15 minutes between using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and other eye medications. However, please consult a doctor before using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with other medicines.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after applying. Therefore, you are recommended to wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
You are recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses while using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, as it contains a preservative that can change the colour of the contact lens. Therefore, you are advised to remove contact lenses before applying Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and reinsert after 15 minutes of using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.
You are recommended to use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after 3 days of treatment with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, please consult a doctor.
No, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose should not be used in the ears. Eye drops are formulated specifically for the eyes and may not be suitable for use in the ears. Using eye drops in the ears could cause irritation, infection, or other complications.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contains an eye lubricant, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. It is used to relieve dry eye conditions associated with the use of TVs and computers, atmospheric pollution, infrequent blinking, drying atmospheres, and certain medical treatments.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is an effective solution for soothing dry, irritated eyes, providing quick relief from discomfort and strain, and helping keep eyes moisturized and protected.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use. To apply the drops, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket, and instil the prescribed number of drops. After using the drops, close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow proper absorption, as recommended by your doctor.
The use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may be avoided in certain conditions, including eye infections such as conjunctivitis, eye injuries or trauma, and recent eye surgeries until the area is fully healed. Additionally, individuals with glaucoma or other eye pressure issues, as well as those with hypersensitivity to HPMC or other ingredients, should avoid using this eye gel. Furthermore, it is not recommended for individuals with severe eye inflammation or active eye disease.
Common side effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may include blurred vision, foreign body sensations in the eyes, eye pain, redness of the eye, or eye irritation. Most of these side effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Make sure to tighten the cap of its original container after each use. This will help maintain the eye gel's effectiveness, prevent contamination, and ensure it remains safe to use. Additionally, it should be stored out of children's reach to avoid accidents.
