Carboxymethylcellulose
About Carboxymethylcellulose
Carboxymethylcellulose belongs to the group of ophthalmic medications primarily used to treat dry eyes. Dry eye(s) is a condition in which the eye fails to make enough tears to coat it, which exposes the cornea and conjunctiva (outer coverings of the eye) to evaporation and subsequent damage.
Carboxymethylcellulose contains Carboxymethylcellulose, an eye lubricant known as artificial tears. It works similarly to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to the eye's dryness by maintaining proper lubrication of the eyes and acting as a protectant against further irritation.
The most common side effects of Carboxymethylcellulose are irritation, pain, and blurred vision. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Carboxymethylcellulose is for ophthalmic use only. If you wear contact lenses or are wearing them, remove them before using Carboxymethylcellulose, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Carboxymethylcellulose. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to this medicine, or taking any other medication. It is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after using this medicine as it may cause blurring of vision and affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Carboxymethylcellulose
Medicinal Benefits
Carboxymethylcellulose is an eye lubricant, also known as artificial tears. It works similarly to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to the eye's dryness by maintaining proper lubrication of the eyes and acting as a protectant against further irritation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Carboxymethylcellulose
Irritation in eye
Continued eye redness
Pain in eye
Blurred vision
Redness of the eye
Drug Warnings
Do not use Carboxymethylcellulose if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to this medicine, or taking any other medication. It is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after using this medicine as it may cause blurring of vision and may affect your ability to drive. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Replace the cap after use. If you experience eye pain, vision changes, continued redness, or irritation of the eye. If the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionCarboxymethylcellulose is not known to interact with Carboxymethylcellulose is taken together, but it should be taken in limit.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorDue to the negligible systemic exposure and the lack of pharmacological activity, Carboxymethylcellulose can be used during pregnancy only when a doctor recommends it.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorDue to the negligible systemic exposure and the lack of pharmacological activity, Carboxymethylcellulose can be used during pregnancy only when a doctor recommends it.
Driving
cautionCarboxymethylcellulose may cause transient blurring of vision which may impair the ability to drive or operate machines. Patients should wait until their vision has cleared before driving or using machinery.
Liver
not applicableIt can be used safely as Carboxymethylcellulose usually does not affect the liver.
Kidney
not applicableIt can be used safely as Carboxymethylcellulose usually does not affect the Kidney.
Children
consult your doctorCarboxymethylcellulose can be given safely to children provided. However, please consult a doctor before giving Carboxymethylcellulose to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
Regularly wash and change the pillowcases.
If you wear contact lenses: Clean and replace contact lenses more often. Never share contact lenses. Always remember to wash your hands before inserting the contact lens.
Avoid staring at digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes.
Blink regularly as it helps spread hydrating substances such as mucus and tears across the eyes.
Special Advise
- If the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use it. Keep out of the reach of children.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry eye(s) is a condition in which the eye fails to make enough tears to coat it, which exposes the cornea and conjunctiva (outer coverings of the eye) to evaporation and subsequent damage.
FAQs
Carboxymethylcellulose is used to treat dry eyes, a condition in which the eye fails to make enough tears to coat it, which exposes the cornea and conjunctiva (outer coverings of the eye) to evaporation and subsequent damage.
Carboxymethylcellulose is an eye lubricant, also known as artificial tears. It works similar to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to the eye's dryness by maintaining proper lubrication of the eyes and acting as a protectant against further irritation.
No, you should not use Carboxymethylcellulose if you are wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses or are wearing them, remove them before using Carboxymethylcellulose, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Carboxymethylcellulose.
No, Carboxymethylcellulose should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. At least, a gap of 5 to 10 minutes should be there between using two eye medications.
Yes, the use of Carboxymethylcellulose can cause blurry vision for the short term. So, please do not drive or operate any car or machinery which requires concentration to avoid any mishappening.
No, Carboxymethylcellulose should not be used for the ears. It is indicated to treat dry eyes.
Check the outer package for directions. Break the seal and tighten the cap on the nozzle until the bottle is pierced.
Though it is safe, Carboxymethylcellulose should be used in children only if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Carboxymethylcellulose in children.
Carboxymethylcellulose should be used only as advised by the doctor. It is generally recommended to use the drops every 2-3 hours (waking hours only).
Carboxymethylcellulose is not known to cause cataracts.
No, Carboxymethylcellulose does not have any effects on the heart.
Carboxymethylcellulose can be used as often as needed or as advised by the doctor.
Carboxymethylcellulose can be used at any time of the day, particularly in waking hours.
Carboxymethylcellulose contains Carboxymethylcellulose, an eye lubricant which is used to treat dry eyes.
Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops as advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
The side effects of Carboxymethylcellulose are irritation, pain, and blurred vision. If the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Store Carboxymethylcellulose at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
No, Carboxymethylcellulose is not bad. It is a safe and well-tolerated medicine.
Yes, Carboxymethylcellulose is good for eyes. It lubricates the eyes and relieves discomfort.
Avoid using Carboxymethylcellulose if it is past the expiry date or if the solution has changed colour or is cloudy.
