Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
About Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose belongs to ophthalmic eye medications used to treat dryness of the eyes. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose acts as artificial tears. Also, it is used to lubricate artificial eyes and moisten hard contact lenses. A dry eye is a common condition that occurs when tears are unable to provide sufficient moisture. The symptoms include redness, pain, burning sensation, blurred vision, discomfort in the eye, watery eyes, difficulty reading or sitting in front of the computer for a long time, or eyes getting tired faster than usual.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contains Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (eye lubricant). 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.
Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose as prescribed by your doctor. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is only for use in eyes. You are advised to use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience 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.
If you are allergic to Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor. Avoid using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose while you are wearing contact 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.
Uses of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Medicinal Benefits
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. Also, it is used to lubricate artificial eyes and moisten hard contact lenses. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose acts as artificial tears that replace missing natural tears and forms 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Blurred vision
- Foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Eye pain
- Redness of the
- eye
- Eye irritation
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor. Avoid using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose while you are wearing contact 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. You are recommended to maintain a time gap of 5 to 15 minutes between using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and other eye medicines. Discard the bottle after four weeks of first opening to prevent infections. 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
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after applying. Therefore, wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionPlease consult a doctor before using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Use a humidifier in your room to increase moisture and avoid dry climates.
Limit the time you spend in front of the television or computer.
If dry eyes are caused by environmental factors, 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.
Take omega-3-fatty acid supplements as they may be helpful 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, burning sensation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, discomfort in the eye, watery eyes, difficulty reading or sitting in front of the 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 changes 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. Also, inform your doctor if you experience pain, stinging or abnormal sensation in the eye after 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.
Check the label for directions before using the gel. Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Gently pull your lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pocket. Squeeze a tiny amount of gel into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Note: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is for external use only. Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas, as it may contaminate Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.
The use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is avoided in certain conditions, including eye infections such as conjunctivitis, eye injuries or trauma, and recent eye surgeries until fully healed. Additionally, individuals with glaucoma or other eye pressure issues and 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.
