Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Into the eye)
hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil SEL-ue-lose
Treats eye dryness and irritation.
Drug classes
Lubricant, Ocular (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hydroxypropyl cellulose 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.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Device
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Rinse the applicator with hot running water before and after you use it.
If the insert falls out of your eye, do not put it back in. Get a new insert to put in your eye.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This eye insert could scratch your eye if you do not insert and remove it properly.
If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
This eye insert may cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not rub your eyes, especially when you first wake up. The insert might come out.
You might have to use the insert for several weeks to get the most benefit.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Eye pain, redness, or swelling
Vision changes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision that does not get better
Sensitivity to light
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lacrisert
There may be other brand names for this medicine.